Arsenal are monitoring Ferran Torres as a potential alternative to Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Barcelona forward, who has worked with Mikel Arteta previously, is facing an increasingly uncertain future at the Camp Nou.
According to TEAMtalk, the Arsenal manager remains a long-term admirer of Torres, having worked with the 26-year-old during their time together at Manchester City.
Arsenal are assessing their attacking options following Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to PSG.
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Torres has enjoyed arguably his most productive campaign at Barcelona this season, contributing 21 goals and three assists across all competitions.
Despite that, Barcelona are embarking on an ambitious summer window that could see them spend upwards of €220million on Anthony Gordon, Julian Alvarez and a potential return for Marcus Rashford.
With Torres having just 12 months remaining on his contract, Barcelona need to decide whether to offer him a new deal or cash in.
Arsenal are pursuing Alvarez as their primary attacking target, but Barcelona are preparing a formal bid for the Atletico Madrid striker and PSG have also signalled their willingness to meet his asking price.
Should that avenue close, Torres is a realistic alternative, albeit one which fans might feel underwhelmed about.
Why Ferran Torres is not the answer to Arsenal’s attacking problems this summer
On paper, Ferran Torres fits the type of profile Arteta likes. He’s versatile across the front line, technically gifted, proven at the highest level and still only 26.
With 114 senior career goals and 55 Spain caps to his name, he is a player of real high quality.
But it is hard to shake the feeling that this is the kind of signing Arsenal could have made last summer, when the priority was raising the floor of the squad and adding depth.
This summer feels different. After losing a Champions League final, the ambition has to be higher.
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Arteta himself said as much in the aftermath of the defeat — Arsenal need to be ‘very ambitious, very fast and very smart.’
Torres feels like a solid option rather than a statement one, and it feels like we have already seen the best version of him.
The more exciting alternative is Eli Junior Kroupi.
The Bournemouth teenager offers genuine superstar potential, higher upside and the kind of electric quality that could be the difference between reaching a Champions League final and winning one.
That is the level of ambition Arsenal need to be operating at this summer.
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