Arsenal fail with opening bid for Sporting winger

Arsenal have reportedly failed with an opening bid to sign Gelson Martins from Sporting much to the frustration of the Portuguese footballer.

The 23-year-old has recently been tipped to join the Gunners on a free transfer amid reports that he could cancel his contract following a training ground attack by the fans.

According to A Bola, Sporting have declined a £26m bid from the north London giants and they are understood to want at least £40m for the talented winger.

As such, Martins has been left frustrated by the club, who are now hoping to invite additional interest from long-term admirers Manchester United and Liverpool.

Martins, who is expected to feature for Portugal at the summer World Cup, enjoyed his best season with Sporting last term with 13 goals and as many as assists across all competitions.

His current contract only expires in the summer of 2022 but he is expected to be among a flurry of players, who are due to leave Sporting after the recent vandalism behaviour from the some of the supporters.