Gelson Martins to Arsenal is a big story for A Bola on Monday, just like it was five days ago for the same newspaper.
Then it had been reported a €30m offer from Arsenal had been knocked back by Sporting. At the time, it was made very clear in Portugal (although largely ignored in the English takes on the article) that Gelson wants to leave Sporting through the front door.
He could take steps to rescind his contract in the way Rui Patricio has, but it’s very much a last option and a normal transfer is the preference.
A Bola now report Arsenal have made a second offer… of €30m. Its pushed strongly again and even gets some space on the front page.
No, they haven’t forgotten their first claim, it’s made clear that whilst Arsenal ‘insist’ on the signing, their second offer is exactly the same as the first. It feels like pressure from the Gunners, knowing that the possibility of contract cancellation is there, however reluctant Gelson has been to use it.
Sporting’s president doesn’t always (or often) see reason and whilst taking that €30m may not be the worst idea given the circumstances, it’s again been knocked back. The amount is considered ‘insufficient’ for a player of Gelson’s level with a €60m buyout clause (which can be raised further with a payment to the player).
Bruno may hope a few good performances from Gelson at the World Cup can push the value higher and bring in other suitors alongside Arsenal.
