Arsenal ‘really like’ Barcelona forward Ferran Torres as they continue to assess their options ahead of January, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The Gunners are believed to be in the market for reinforcements in the final third of the pitch and could look to strengthen upfront following Gabriel Jesus’ injury setback.
Arsenal transfer news – Ferran Torres
Spanish sources have claimed that Arsenal are interested in bringing Torres back to the Premier League just a year after he departed Manchester City in a £55 million deal.
Mikel Arteta will know the 22-year-old’s qualities well from their brief time working together at the Etihad Stadium.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has previously informed GMS that Arsenal may decide to sign a player who can play both on the wings as well as through the middle, and Torres certainly fits that criteria.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has described Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk as the north London outfit’s ‘priority target’ but he has never played upfront in his senior career.
Therefore, Torres could be an ideal acquisition for Arsenal and Arteta, providing strength in depth along the entire forward line.
What has Jones said about Torres?
Jones has disclosed to GMS that Arsenal ‘clearly believe’ Torres will be available for transfer next month after previously enquiring about his availability in the summer window.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “They really like Ferran Torres, and they clearly believe he might become available because they inquired about him in the summer as well.
“So, if they're sniffing around him again now, they sense that something's up.”
Would Torres be a good signing?
As previously mentioned, one of Torres’ key attributes is his versatility, but he has also been fairly productive in recent years too.
The 6 foot ace registered 16 goals and four assists in 43 appearances for City during his short time with the club, and he has continued in a similar vein at Barcelona.
In 44 outings across all competitions for the Blaugrana, Torres has found the back of the net on 12 occasions, setting up seven further strikes for his teammates, leading to him being described as "world-class".
As per FBref, the Spain international has ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive passes received and total shots, 91st for non-penalty expected goals, and 85th for touches in the attacking penalty area amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Torres has the ability to establish himself as a key asset at Arsenal should he make the switch, and he may well be the perfect replacement for Jesus.