Atletico Madrid announce arrival of new Portuguese winger

Atletico Madrid have announced the arrival of Gelson Martins from Sporting on a five-year deal running until 2023.

Martins signs on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Portuguese giants Sporting at the end of last season.

The Portugal international was previously linked with a move to the Premier League but Atletico have won the race for his services.

Sporting have already lost Portugal international Rui Patricio on frees this summer, but Jose Peseiro’s side determined to get a fee for both players.

A number of high profile Sporting players terminated their contracts in the wake of some unsavoury scenes at the club’s training ground last season.

Sporting were successful in commanding a fee for William Carvalho, who was another player rumoured close to leaving for nothing at one point.

Martins played a direct hand in 16 league goals last season (eight goals, eight assists) and will further enhance Atletico’s offensive options.

The Spanish side lost Nico Gaitan and Yannick Carrasco in January but have since replaced the aforementioned duo with Thomas Lemar and Martins.

In the last two Liga NOS campaigns, only Yacine Brahimi (255) has completed more dribbles than Martins (154).