Martins To Arsenal? I Don't Think So!
By Tyne-Talk
April 12 2008
Whilst all Newcastle fans know that Obafemi Martins' heart and soul is at the club, it takes a rebuff of other teams to confirm it to the media and those who are willing to approach him. The tabloids are reporting that Martins has turned down a £15M move to Arsenal in favour of pushing Newcastle into Europe.
Arsenal, are not alone in their interest - recent reports suggest that both Manchester United and AC Milan are also interested in the 23 year old striker. Martins however, who still has 2 years left on his £60,000 a week contract has dismissed their interest.
His advisor Chris Nathaniel told The Sun:
"Several top clubs have made contact but Obafemi hasn't indicated an interest in any of them and he has no intention of quitting the club."
It isn't the first time Martins has been linked with a move away from the club, he was noticeable unhappy under the management of Sam Allardyce and there was speculation at the time that Arsene Wenger was to make an approach, but he has settled well with Kevin Keegan at the club and has praised him highly over the past few months. He is also playing more games and being given more opportunities to prove his ability on the pitch.
Kevin Keegan has announced that he will not be letting any of his star strikers leave this summer as he bids to rebuild the team prior to the 2008/09 season starting. He said:
"There's no point strengthening your squad and then letting your best players go.
None of those players have come and knocked on my door and said they want to leave so, until that happens, I will just assume they want to play for this club and fulfil their contracts because they are all enjoying it at the moment.
I don't think you will find any of them coming in front of the cameras or in front of the press and saying it is not a good club to be at.
I said all along, even before we got into this run of games and started to play the sort of football and get the sort of results a club like Newcastle should in the Premier League, we would be looking for four or five players.
I honestly believe that's all we need. But those four of five players have to be top quality; they have to be absolutely top quality.
Them maybe we can slot in a couple of youngsters who are what I would call maybes or wannabes just to build the squad up.
Other than that, I don't see us bringing in 10 or 11 like they did at the start of this season."
Took note of Grant at the Pompey game-wouldn't be surprised if Martins was one of the players he over which he was running the rule. Drogba and Martins would be a devastating forward line, I have to admit.
Quote:Unless someone makes one of those "my gods that is a lot of money to refuse" offers for him, which I also don't see happening.nathan robinson
Would be devastated to lose Martins, but from the way he talks about the club and the way everyone talks about him I don't think there's a chance he'll be leaving any time soon.
If that kind of money is offered, great. Short of that, the guys a keeper and will only get better and more accurate. His shot to the low corner from the wide side of the net was wonderful.
My main concern is how do we keep Owen, Martins, Viduka happey next year when, I'm convinced, we return to a 4-4-2? The only reason players are happy to sit is when there is Europe and Cups to play in as well. Next season is so pivotal to the future of NUFC that I'm already nervous over it.