Arsene Wenger: 'Jackson Martinez could play in the Premier League'

Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Porto striker Jackson Martinez, saying that he has the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League.

The Arsenal boss has been a long-time admirer of the Colombian, and it was widely mooted that the striker was close to arriving at the Emirates last season.

"He has top physical strengths," Wenger told beIN Sports. "He is hugely efficient, he is the kind of player who can make room for himself in the box.

"He could play in the Premier League because he has the body to make the difference. He uses it in a very intelligent way with very short back lift and he's a very good finisher.

"He's on the list of many clubs, you know that. He will be the next big transfer who will give a big smile to Pinto da Costa (Porto's owner)."

Martinez, 28, has scored 16 goals in 21 league games so far this season.