Arsenal in the race to sign highly-rated 22-year-old explosive winger

Arsenal have joined the race with Liverpool to sign Sporting winger Gelson Martins, according to reports.

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new winger as Alexis Sanchez is on the brink of joining Manchester United.

Bordeaux’s Brazilian winger Malcom has been linked with a move to the Gunners this month, but the French club insisted on Tuesday that they had not received an offer so far.

According to the Daily Star, Martins is now on Arsenal’s radar, and Arsene Wenger is considering a move for the Portugal international.

The 22-year-old winger has been one of the standout stars in Liga NOS over the last two seasons and has also affected in the Champions League with Sporting this term.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Martins and reports in Portugal have even claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s side have offered a contract to the winger.

Sporting are understood to be opening talks with Martins over a new contract so they can bump up his release clause. The Portugal international is currently available for €60 million (£53m), but Sporting want to raise that to €100m (£88m).