Arsenal are reportedly in talks with FC Barcelona to sign former Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres, with Mykhailo Mudryk at Stamford Bridge this afternoon to be presented as a new Chelsea player.
90Min claim that Torres is one of two Barcelona players Arsenal have made contact with following the news that Mudryk will sign for Chelsea, with Raphinha another name on the Gunners’ agenda as a potential attacking arrival this January.
As per the report, Barcelona are eager to trim their wage bill this month with Xavi Hernandez keen to make new signings in the summer transfer window, and both Raphinha and Torres are up for consideration to leave despite how recent the pair have been in Catalonia.
In the case of Torres, the attacker signed for Barcelona one year ago from City in a deal worth £50m, yet the Spanish international could now be on the move just 12 months after his last blockbuster move for Arsenal as an alternative to Mudryk.
Indeed, Arsenal are seemingly keen to move on from Mudryk with the player set to be presented at Stamford Bridge today having already been seen at the stadium. And Torres could be a good option for the north London club this month.
A former City player who has worked with Mikel Arteta, Torres is naturally a winger but has enjoyed success in recent months for both club and country as a striker, something that could appeal to Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus out until March at the earliest.
Arsenal should look into other options before looking to sign Torres
On paper, Torres ticks a lot of boxes for what Arsenal want in an attacking signing this month. The former City star is young, has Premier League experience and knows what Arteta wants from his player on the pitch. However, the Gunners would be wise to explore other options before looking to move for the Barcelona outcast.
As we know, a player who thrives out on the wing would be more beneficial to Arsenal than someone who has played more centrally in recent months, meaning that Torres’ Barcelona teammate, Raphinha, could be a better option this January in the window.
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