Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could look to move for one of his former stars this summer, according to reports - with Barcelona star Ferran Torres reportedly being in his sights ahead of a potential summer move.
The Gunners once again fell short in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool this time taking the major gong at the end of April - and although a second-placed finish appears to be on the cards yet again for the north London outfit, recruits will be made in the summer to tip them over the line next time out - with Torres potentially being lined up alongside supposed target Nico Williams, who has shone for Spain and Athletic Bilbao in recent years.
Report: Arteta Could Make Move for Ferran Torres, He 'Loves' Him
The Spaniard has previously worked with his compatriot at Man City
Ferran Torres celebrates scoring for Barcelona
The report by TBR Football states that Arteta 'hugely admires' Torres, and with just two years left on his contract at Barcelona, a deal could be done in the coming transfer window.
Ferran Torres' La Liga statistics - Barcelona squad ranking
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A striker is on Arsenal's agenda for the summer, and despite links to the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, Torres could be an option having had experience of Premier League football with Manchester City, where he spent 18 months before departing for Catalonia, where he currently earns £210,000-per-week.
He struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, but it's been his time at Barcelona where he's properly blossomed, with the Spain international scoring 44 goals in 158 games at the Camp Nou and being labelled as 'ruthless', as opposed to his 16 goals in 43 games at City - which was still a respectable target.
However, despite Arteta's keenness on the star - having been Guardiola's assistant manager in his time at City and therefore watching Torres closely - journalist Graeme Bailey believes that there is potential external interest in the attacker, with Aston Villa being namechecked in the article. He said:
"Firstly with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City and he knows how City highly rated him. Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal but he’s not the only manager who likes him."
Kai Havertz made his return to the pitch at the weekend after three-and-a-half months on the treatment table, whilst Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a knee injury.
That could force Arteta to make a move for the Spanish star if he opts against other targets in the coming weeks.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 21-05-25.
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