Arsenal remain interested in Facundo Torres and could make an approach in the summer after not following through in January.
Fabrizio Romano has told Caught Offside that Arsenal retain an interest in Facundo Torres. The Orlando City star was on the Gunners’ radar in January. Mikel Arteta preferred more Premier League-experienced options to bolster his squad.
Facundo Torres was one of the brightest Orlando City players when they hosted Arsenal for pre-season. The Gunners came out victorious, but the winger got on the scoresheet, equalising for his side. Little did he think the north Londoners would one day come enquiring about his availability, which has been the case for a few months now.
Arsenal have been in the market for a winger and were widely expected to sign one in January. After the fruitless chase of Mykhaylo Mudryk, they switched their attention to Leandro Trossard. Mikel Arteta may have even have looked at Torres for the right side but is happy to wait.
The right-wing position is a bit tricky for Arteta to fill up. Arsenal remain linked with top stars like Raphinha of Barcelona or Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen. While those are big-name stars with the right calibre, the question is whether they want to compete for a place with Bukayo Saka.
EXCL: Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres will extend the contract with MLS side Orlando City, agreement in place until 2027 — here Torres with agents Egardo Lasalvia & Gustavo Santorini 🚨🟣🇺🇾 #transfers #MLS
➕ Understand there will be release clause worth $30m into new contract. pic.twitter.com/eOT3lTd4Rj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 28, 2023
Saka right now is one of the best right-wingers in the Premier League. He is also set to sign a long-term deal with Arsenal and cement his position as an undisputable starter for the Gunners. Taking his place will be difficult for even some of the best wingers right now.
Hence, Arteta might revisit the idea he had last season and bring in a player that could develop as Saka’s understudy. While summer signing Marquinhos has not worked yet, the manager might consider Torres a viable option after the season.
They were keen on a January move but may have decided against it. They might return in the summer. As Fabrizio Romano insists that could be the case for the 22-year-old South American winger.
Romano said, “Arsenal have never spoken to Orlando about Facundo Torres, never made any contact or bid. They just followed the player as they do with many players around the world.”
“But it was never a concrete negotiation in January or before, and now he’s signed a new contract with the MLS side. I’m sure many clubs will keep an eye on his development, including Arsenal, as he’s a great talent.”
Torres also recently signed a new contract with Orlando City until 2027. The deal includes a release clause worth $30 million, which is reasonable for a club like Arsenal or any other Premier League side. Yet, the Gunners could negotiate the price down as they seek the 22-year-old South American winger next summer.
