Arsenal have recently been linked with a move for Barcelona‘s Ferran Torres, with journalist Dean Jones offering an update on the situation surrounding the winger’s availability.
Just like the north Londoners, who sit five points clear at the Premier League summit, Xavi’s side have gone from strength to strength this season domestically, currently flourishing as La Liga leaders. However, they were knocked out of the Champions League in the group phase for the second year running.
With the Gunners reportedly in the market for winter reinforcements, Torres might be a viable transfer target, injecting a fresh breath of pace and creativity into the squad as the north London club chase success.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones detailed his thoughts on the situation and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta‘s prospects of getting a deal over the line this January.
The journalist said: “They really like Ferran Torres, and they clearly believe he might become available because they inquired about him in the summer as well. So, if they’re sniffing around him again now, they sense that something’s up.”
However, the transfer insider added that a move might not materialise just yet, also telling GIVEMESPORT: “My personal feeling is that I can’t see him leaving Barcelona yet. It seems like people in Barcelona seem to think this, too.
“Is he really going to give up on a club like that so quickly? Probably not. But if he’s told he doesn’t fit in at all and he has to consider something else, then Arsenal’s a great back-up plan right now.”
Imagine him & Odegaard
Despite Jones’ concerns, it’s hard to imagine that Barcelona would simply cast aside a prospective bid for Torres if it were lucrative enough, with the club’s recent perilous financial situation well-documented.
Signed from Manchester City for £55m, a club where Torres received coaching from Arteta when the current Arsenal boss was assistant to Pep Guardiola, the 22-year-old has already demonstrated his aptitude in the Premier League.
He scored 16 goals and supplied four assists across 43 appearances for the Citizens, and Arteta may now be inclined to bolster his ranks with the inclusion of the 2020/21 title winner.
Hailed as “world-class” by Barcelona manager Xavi, Torres ranks within the top 6% for total shots and the top 6% for progressive passes received when compared to positional peers over the past year, as per FBref.
This season for his club, the 22-year-old has scored five goals and plundered one assist from 18 outings, including three goals in the Champions League, and he could indeed be a worthy prospective addition at the Emirates Stadium.
Indeed, he could form a deadly partnership with Martin Odegaard, who has risen to eminence within the Arsenal team since making his loan move with the club permanent in August 2021.
Odegaard has scored six goals and supplied two assists in 13 Premier League outings this season, leading by example as the captain of a thriving squad of talented players.
Sofascore record his exploits this term with an average league rating of 7.39, with the Norwegian creating six big chances and orchestrating the offensive drive with an impressive 81% passing accuracy, making 1.9 key passes per match.
Should Arteta get a deal over the line for Torres, Arsenal could enhance their title hopes with a partnership of him and Odegaard, and the prospect of playing a key role in a Premier League title race might be too tempting and enticing for him to turn down.
