Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres is reportedly on Arsenal’s shortlist of targets in this summer window, with the Gunners considering adding another forward to the squad.
A versatile option may be targeted as cover for Bukayo Saka, despite the arrival of Kai Havertz this summer, and Torres can play anywhere across the front three, including through the centre as a false number nine.
Barcelona’s poor financial situation means they need to raise money from sales, and Torres could be a candidate to make a departure in this window. The Spain star joined from Manchester City for a fee of around £55m in January 2022, but has lost his starting place following the arrivals of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowksi.
A report from 90min has claimed that Torres is one of the options on Arsenal’s list of targets, alongside Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, and this indicates that the club will move for a wide option this summer.
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The 23-year-old fits into the correct profile of player Mikel Arteta has typically targeted with signings: young but with experience under his belt, capable of playing in multiple positions and technically gifted.
His form at Barcelona has been inconsistent, notching up 14 goals and nine assists in 71 games, but his lack of regular starting opportunities last season did not help him reach his best form.
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He was impressive at Man City prior to his return to Spain, with Pep Guardiola describing him as “exceptional” and claiming that he could play as a number nine.
This versatility could make him a good squad option, but the signings of Havertz and Leandro Trossard does mean that game-time might still be limited for the Spaniard.
It still remains to be seen whether Arteta will choose to sign another attacker despite signing Reiss Nelson onto a new contract, and the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira are all capable of playing on the wings.
Torres would arrive with Premier League and Champions League experience, and could be a pacey and technical addition to an already top-quality front line, but he may want more assurances over starting opportunities, which may not be available at Arsenal right now.