Kevin Hatchard says Ferran Torres would be a ‘better option’ for Arsenal during the January transfer window than his Barcelona teammate, Raphinha.
Mikel Arteta’s side thought they were signing Mykhailo Mudryk during the January transfer window, only for the Ukraine winger to end up at Chelsea.
Now, they are still searching for that forward before the winter transfer window slams shut.
Both Raphinha and Torres have tasted Premier League football before – with the Brazil star shining at Leeds United and the Spain international repping Manchester City.
So, from that aspect, if either were to join, then they would be more proven and provide more know-how than Mudryk, who has hardly played 100 senior games.
Nonetheless, amid talk of Arsenal pushing for Raphinha’s signature, European football expert Kevin Hatchard told them why Torres would be a better option, as he told Transfer Talk on Sky Sports.
“I can’t (see it happening), but I can see the logic of it (Raphinha to Arsenal),” said Hatchard. “He’s not been a regular first-teamer as he would have wanted to be at Barcelona.
“This was his dream move, let’s not forget. He’s had some good games. He’s had some bad games. Ousmane Dembele has gone up a level under Xavi, and obviously, that’s on that side. I am not sure he would give up on this too early. He’s only a few months in. Would he really want to come back to the Premier League with the tail between his legs and accept that Barcelona hasn’t worked?!
“I actually wonder if a move for Ferran Torres would make more sense. He is somebody who can play wide. He can play through the middle. He can cover a couple of positions.
“I think so (Torres being cheaper and more surplus to requirements). I think Raphinha is still a rotation option for Xavi and he would start in certain games. Ferran is starting some games, but I think when you look at it, when everyone is fit, how close is Ferran to that first team? Does it mean he’s a bad player, no! And he has Premier League experience. For Arsenal what they need and want, they didn’t get Felix, so I just wonder if it would be a better option.”
NKETIAH GOING GREAT GUNS
If that new face does come in, then at this moment in time, he won’t be starting even though that cover for Gabriel Jesus is needed.
Nketiah might not have scored against Tottenham over the weekend, but he did produce a strong performance as the Gunners won the bragging rights of north London.
Either way, whatever call the club makes, those in the backroom staff, just like last January, need to be trusted because it has always proved to be a long-term benefit.
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