Jackson Martinez joins Atletico Madrid

Porto's highly-rated Colombian striker Jackson Martinez has signed for Atletico Madrid for a transfer fee of 35million euros, the Portuguese club announced late Tuesday.

The 28-year-old forward will replace Croatian Mario Mandzukic who has moved from Spain to Juventus in Italy for 19 million euros.

Martinez has been the top scorer in Portugal for the last three seasons having joined Porto from Mexican outfit Jaguares de Chiapas.

He scored 21 goals in 29 league appearances as Porto finished as runners-up to Benfica last season

Martinez had previously agreed a move with AC Milan, and had been targeted by Arsenal, before instead opting for a switch to Atletico.

A statement from Porto read: "Atletico Madrid have informed Porto they will pay Jackson Martinez's buy-out clause - which is set at 35million euros."

Martinez is expected to sign a four-year deal with Atletico, who are keen to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season when they will among the favourites for the Spanish league title, having placed third last year.

He recently played for Colombia at the Copa America in Chile where they lost to Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Source: AFP