Arsenal are reportedly considering a move to sign Orlando City SC talent Facundo Torres, with the 22-year-old viewed as potential competition for Bukayo Saka.
According to the Evening Standard, the Uruguay talent is on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to make a replacement for Saka one of his main priorities in the market, with the England international going down with an injury this weekend against Nottingham Forest.
Whilst Reiss Nelson stole the show off the bench as a right-winger, Arsenal are still keen to sign a more natural replacement for Saka in the market, and Torres has seemingly emerged as an option for the north London side, with the MLS star enjoying a breakout 2022.
Signed from Penarol last January for £8m Torres was one of the best young players in MLS in the regular season as the South American talent bagged an impressive 13 goals and ten assists in all competitions, with the youngster even scoring against Arsenal in a pre-season fixture this summer in Florida.
Hailed by MLS’s official website as an ‘electric’ prospect, Arsenal have seemingly been impressed with what they have seen from Torres this season, and the Uruguayan could soon become the Gunners’ third signing from the American top-flight following the arrivals of Matt Turner and Auston Trusty this summer.
Naturally a left-winger but capable of playing out on the right and even as a striker, Torres’ versatility could be a huge selling factor for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. However, for the player himself, a move to the Premier League might be too soon in his young career.
Arsenal should look to sign Facundo Torres in the summer
Arsenal’s scouting network has improved greatly since the appointment of Edu Gaspar, and a move for Torres, who was recommended to the Gunners by the same scout who found Neymar as per the Evening Standard, does make quite sense given the winger’s ability to play on both flanks. However, a move does feel too soon for the youngster.
After all, Torres has only spent just one year in MLS with Orlando. And whilst the attacker’s numbers this season have been brilliant, another six to nine months in Florida could be exactly what the forward needs to get to a level where a leap to Premier League football won’t be as daunting.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
