Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins will be considering his future after his club, Newcastle United, lost the battle to survive relegation Sunday evening following their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at the Villa Park.
A draw would have been enough to see the Magpies escape the drop, but a horrendous own goal by their winger, Damien Duff, ended their dream of retaining their top flight status on a day Alan Shearer will love to forget in his spell as the manager of the St. James' Park outfit.
The Nigeria international was on from start to finish but he was unable to salvage his side which will now campaign in the Coca Cola Championship division next season.
Martins had indicated he is keen to stay in the English Premier League after reports claimed Jose Mourinho is willing to take him back to Inter Milan from where he joined Newcastle for £10 million in August 2006, on a five -year deal.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has been a long time admirer of the powerful forward but the French tactician may not consider a move for the Eagles forward after declaring his satisfaction with his team's forward line despite finishing the season in fourth position.
But Wenger could however have a change of mind if he decides to let go his unhappy Togolese goal scorer, Emmanuel Adebayor, who is a subject of transfer interest from AC Milan and probably Chelsea, if Carlo Ancelotti eventually takes over the reign at Stamford Bridge as Guus Hiddink's successor. Martins has a get-out clause of £13 million in his contract with Newcastle, but he may no longer attract such valuation following his club's relegation misfortune.
He netted eight goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season, in a campaign in which he suffered spells on the sidelines including a hernia operation in January.
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