Ferran Torres has struggled since switching Man City for Barcelona (Photo: Getty)
Aston Villa are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for the signing of former Manchester City star Ferran Torres, who Barcelona are willing to sell.
Arsenal are looking to sign a right-winger this summer to help support Bukayo Saka next season with the Gunners aiming to push for the Premier League title again whilst dealing with the rigours of Champions League football.
Various names have been linked with the Emirates and now, according to talkSPORT, Torres has been added to Mikel Arteta’s shortlist, with the manager a long-time admirer of his fellow Spaniard.
The 23-year-old moved from Valencia to City in 2020 and had a decent impact, recording 13 goals and three assists in his first season as the Citizens won the league and Carabao Cup, and reached the UCL final.
However, he would last just 18 months at the Etihad, suffering with injuries and falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola before joining Barcelona for £48million.
Though he signed a deal until 2027 at the Camp Nou, he has struggled to establish himself in Xavi’s starting XI despite his ability to play across the forward line, scoring just eight La Liga goals in 47 matches.
Back in January, it was reported that Torres was up for sale along with fellow Barcelona forwards Raphinha and Ansu Fati, though at the time Arsenal were more interested in the former Leeds winger.
Mikel Arteta is set to battle his predecessor Unai Emery for Torres (Photo: Getty)
Barcelona are looking to raise cash, a need that has only gotten bigger since it was revealed that Lionel Messi will leave PSG this summer, with the legendary World Cup winner keen on returning to the Spanish giants.
Arsenal are looking to take advantage of their situation and if they sign him, he will be the third ex-City player in north London after Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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However, it is said that many clubs around Europe are keen on the Spain international, not least Villa who are prepared to heavily back ex-Arsenal manager Unai Emery in the summer transfer window.
Emery replaced Steven Gerrard at Villa Park last November and has gone onto win 13 of his first 23 games in charge, propelling the club from relegation battlers to contenders for European football.
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Mikel Arteta wants to reunite him with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.