Source: San Jose Earthquakes close to finalizing deal for proven MLS striker Josef Martinez, further bolstering frontline

The San Jose Earthquakes' revamp of their frontline continues as a source confirmed to GOAL a deal to sign Josef Martinez is close to being finalized.

The move follows the team's blockbuster trade for RSL star striker Cristian "Chicho" Arango. Martinez played at CF Montreal last season, scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances. The club opted out of using an option that would have extended his stay in Canada.

Between the trade for Arango and Martinez's arrival as a free agent, San Jose will add a combined 169 league goals considering the pair's output in MLS. New sporting director and coach Bruce Arena has been active since his arrival in November, retooling a side that was the worst in MLS last season.

GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert was the first to report the Earthquakes' pursuit of Martinez.

Martinez reemerged as one of MLS' better strikers last season after battling injuries and inconsistent form over the past few seasons.

After hitting single-digit tallies in his final season in Atlanta United in 2022 and his sole season at Inter Miami in 2023, El Rey scored 11 goals in 23 appearances - more impressive by being limited to just 13 starts.

At his best, Martinez was arguably one of the best strikers MLS has ever seen - if not the best. He scored 77 goals in his first 83 appearances in the league with Atlanta, winning the Golden Boot in 2018 after a 31-goal season. Everything came crashing down for the striker in 2020 when he suffered a torn ACL in Atlanta United's first game.

While Martinez might not be the same player, he still has a nose for goal, an area of weakness last year when the team notched just 41 goals - second to worst in the Western Conference. How Martinez and Arango will combine together up top will be difficult to forecast, but Arena has proven he can get the best out of two striker systems.

Martinez holds the MLS record for consecutive scoring, connecting in 15 games straight for Atlanta United in 2019.

The club will await confirmation on its deal for Martinez and then head to preseason.