Report: Atlanta United reach agreement with Torino for Josef Martinez

Yesterday an interesting report out of Italy emerged linking Atlanta United to Torino and Venezuela national team striker Josef Martinez. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, one of the most respected journalists in Italian soccer, the two clubs have reached an agreement for Martinez’s transfer in the tune of $5 million.

If the report is accurate, this would make the 23-year-old the club’s third and final Designated Player, joining Miguel Almiron and Hector Villalba.

From all angles, this transfer makes a ton of sense for Atlanta and what President Darren Eales has stated the club are looking for in a third DP. Martinez is an attacker who can player striker or winger. He’s still young and has sell-on value. And finally, he’s South American, a style that it’s obvious Tata Martino is looking to instill.

Another report from Sky Italia claims that Martinez is heading to the USA for a medical and the deal could be for a loan move initially with an obligation to buy for the $5 million in June.

It appears as if there’s a very good chance of this happening in some fashion. Stay tuned as the specifics are ironed out. We’ll update accordingly.