Arsenal eyes Porto striker Jackson Martinez

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Porto striker Jackson Martinez in case a loan deal for Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata cannot be agreed.

The Gunners re-opened talks with Real yesterday despite having their previous approaches for Morata rebuffed.

But if the club cannot strike a short-term deal, they are prepared to spend heavily to land a reliable striker.

Colombia striker Martinez, 27, is a leading candidate, and he is thought to have a £33.2million release clause.

Rubin Kazan forward Salomon Rondon — a target for Tottenham — has also impressed Gunners scouts; while Arsenal may revive interest in Lille’s Salomon Kalou.

Arsene Wenger would love to sign Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa, who has a £32m buy-out clause. But with Atletico still involved in the Champions League and Costa aiming to win a place in Spain’s World Cup squad, it will be all but impossible to prise him from Madrid this month.

Wenger also planned a summer move for Barcelona winger Pedro, 26, although Theo Walcott’s cruciate ligament injury could see him accelerate his interest.