Barcelona are not considering selling Ferran Torres in the January window amid interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano has told Caught Offside that Ferran Torres is not for sale in the January transfer window, as Barcelona could keep their current squad intact. The Spaniard is among a host of players linked with a move away from Spotify Camp Nou and has interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Despite his recent struggles with Barcelona, Ferran Torres remains a top prospect in Spanish football. The winger was part of the Spain squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but failed to make a real impact with Luis Enrique’s side and continues to feature irregularly under Xavi Hernandez.
This time last year, Barcelona’s president went all the way to bring him back to Spain from Manchester City, paying a hefty €55 million fee. Reports then suggested that newly-appointed manager Xavi had personally requested the club sign the winger, and the board obliged.
Things have not gone to plan for the Barcelona attacker at Camp Nou, as he finds himself behind many players in different positions. Torres can play from a wide role or even centrally. But the presence of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and even Robert Lewandowski keep him mostly on the bench for the Catalans.
Recent reports claimed that Barcelona were willing to cut their losses and try to sell him in the January transfer window. Much of the need for the club remained financial as they continue to struggle to balance their books in light of many problems behind the scenes.
Tottenham reportedly became the latest club to show an interest. But before them, north London rivals Arsenal were keen. Mikel Arteta is in the market for attacking reinforcements and likes what Torres can bring to his side. The Spaniard’s versatility can make him an asset to the Gunners, who have deployed a free-flowing attacking style this season.
Arsenal continue to chase Mykhaylo Mudryk this month but are finding it tough to convince Shakhtar Donetsk to part ways with him. His high asking price is an obstacle, but if they cannot agree, Arteta might switch interest towards other players such as Torres.
Barcelona, however, are not interested in selling the winger or any other player from their current squad in January. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the intention. Romano said, “Barcelona want to keep Ferran Torres; there are currently no negotiations for him. They aim to keep the same squad until the end of the season and then change some players again in July.”
Xavi may have signalled his intention to keep the current squad intact, which may also hamper any possible moves for Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay, Torres or Franck Kessie, who were all linked with moves away from Camp Nou. While Torres is having an average season, the club would like to give the €55 million investment some time to get back his form and shine.
Arsenal might have to look elsewhere if they were planning on signing Torres as an alternative to Mudryk. For now, the Spaniard’s future seems likely in Barcelona for the foreseeable future, which may allow him to relax and focus on getting back into form at the club.
