Arsenal monitoring 24yo Barcelona forward for January move | OneFootball

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, with a potential move being considered for the January transfer window.

That’s according to TBR, via Sport in Spain, who report that both Arsenal and Aston Villa are interested in the 24-year-old attacker.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 31: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s seventh goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid CF at Camp Nou on August 31, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ferran Torres, who has made five starts for Barcelona in the league this season, has struggled to secure a regular spot in Xavi‘s starting XI.

The Spanish forward has accumulated 329 minutes and scored one goal so far, finding himself more frequently rotated as Barcelona’s offensive line-up increasingly favours Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha, all of whom are currently in top form, scoring against Real Madrid on Saturday night.

Despite his reduced role, Torres has managed to earn a recall to the Spanish national team thanks to his promising early-season performances.

Torres is reportedly keen to stay at Barcelona, having turned down offers in the past, including from Aston Villa, who were interested last summer.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 31: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s seventh goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid CF at Camp Nou on August 31, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The forward is under contract until 2027, and he is said to be committed to proving himself at Barcelona. However, the club, mindful of their salary cap issues, appear open to listening to offers, which could give Arsenal an opportunity to make their move.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is familiar with Torres from his time in the Premier League with Manchester City. During his time there, he scored 16 goals, with four assists, in 43 appearances, averaging a goal or assist every 132 minutes.

The Gunners, along with Unai Emery‘s Aston Villa, are monitoring his situation as they explore attacking options ahead of the winter market.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Ferran Torres of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Wycombe Wanderers F.C. at Etihad Stadium on September 21, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

While Aston Villa’s past approaches have been rebuffed, a reasonable offer could tempt Barcelona, given the ongoing uncertainty regarding their financial position.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are unlikely to see significant departures this January, with the exception of Ansu Fati, who may seek more game time elsewhere.

Torres, though a squad player rather than a regular starter, appears intent on continuing his fight for minutes at the Catalan club, making his potential exit uncertain.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Aston Villa will make a formal move in January, but Torres’ situation is worth watching closely as the transfer window approaches.

He is currently valued at around €30m.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that Arsenal rejected the chance to sign Torres, opting instead to sign Raheem Sterling on loan which may or may not have been related to the potential financial implications of Torres vs Sterling in the summer.