Arsenal are set to hold a meeting about £7 million Orlando City forward Facundo Torres in the coming days ahead of a potential move to Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders, the Uruguay international’s agent tells ESPN.
Reiss Nelson, during Sunday’s 5-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest, scored more goals in three minutes than during his previous 23 top-flight games combined.
From the 49th to the 52nd minute, a man brought in from the cold following Bukayo Saka’s injury catapulted himself back into the first-team picture with a dazzling display off the bench.
The now challenge, for Nelson, is to build on that Forest display.
Arsenal’s interest in another versatile wideman – 22-year-old Facundo Torres – adds a further element of intrigue as the Gunners look to ease the pressure on an overworked and overburdened Saka during the January transfer window.
Arsenal set to hold talks with MLS ace Facundo Torres
Torres, The Standard say, has been identified as someone capable of offering competition for Arteta’s talismanic number seven. The former Penarol whizzkid, who scored against Arsenal in pre-season, is understood to have been highlighted by Gunners scout Toni Lima; an expert in South American talent.
Edgardo Lasalvia, Torres’ agent, insists that ‘there is still nothing advanced’ between Torres and Arsenal. That could soon change, however, with Lasalvia admitting that he will hold talks with Lima this week.
Torres can play on the left, the right or through the middle. He 13 goals and 10 assists for MLS outfit Orlando City this season. Torres also has ten caps for Uruguay too, and should be part of their World Cup squad.
“(Facundo’s) growth has been amazing,” explains Orlando director Ricardo Moreira. “The sky is the limit. I think (the investment in Torres) is paying off. I hope we can stay with Facundo as long as we can.”
Arsenal, owned by American businessman Stan Kroenke, have made good use of the US market in recent times. Matt Tuyrner arrived from New England Revolution. Auston Trusty, meanwhile, signed from Kroenke-owned Colorado Rapids.
The Gunners are also keen on Midtjylland’s Denmark U21 forward Gustav Isaksen. FCM director Claus Steinlein admits Isaksen ‘will be sold’ at some point in 2023.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
