Sports Briefs
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ARSENAL football club has lost out in its bid to sign Jackson Martinez, a Colombian striker who plies his trade in France. Martinez had long been on the Gunners’ radar, but the Porto striker’s agent disclosed that a move to Atletico Madrid, Spain, was sealed on Tuesday, June 24.
“Jackson is going there to also achieve great things and to bring the best out of himself to become even better. That’s his dream and he’s very excited,” the agent said.
Atletico reportedly paid about €35 million on the 28-year-old Colombian striker as a replacement for Mario Mandzukic, who joined Juventus for €19 million on Monday, June 22. Reports said that Atletico could raise further funds by selling Arda Turan, with Paris Saint-Germain interested in a €25 million deal for the 28-year-old attacking midfielder.
While Arsenal failed to get their man, Liverpool football club was more successful when it signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim on a five-year deal for a fee of about £29m, on Tuesday, June 23.
The 23-year-old’s deal is subject to a medical, which will take place after he returns from Chile, where he has been playing for Brazil in the Copa America.
Firmino, who has scored 47 goals in 151 games for Hoffenheim, becomes Liverpool’s second most expensive player.
The Anfield club made Andy Carroll their record signing when he joined the club from Newcastle for £35 million in 2011. It also paid Southampton £25m for Adam Lallana in 2014.
— Jul 6, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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Tags: Adam Lallana Anfield Arda Turan Arsenal Arsenal Football Club Atletico Atletico Madrid Brazil Copa America Gunners Hoffenheim Jackson Martinez Juventus Liverpool Mario Mandzukic Newcastle Paris Saint-Germain Porto Roberto Firmino Southampton Spain
