Arsenal‘s summer transfer window is already generating significant buzz, and the latest name being linked with the Emirates is a familiar one to Premier League fans. Barcelona forward Ferran Torres is reportedly available for transfer. Arsenal are firmly in the race to sign him.
TEAMtalk can reveal that Torres’ potential availability has alerted several clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. The Spain international enjoyed arguably his most productive campaign since arriving at the Camp Nou, registering 21 goals and three assists in all competitions while proving himself to be one of Hansi Flick’s most reliable squad players.
So why is he available? The answer lies in Barcelona’s own ambitions this summer. Barcelona splashed £70m on a deal to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, while there is still interest in bringing in Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and making Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent. That spending spree has left Torres in an uncomfortable position. Sources indicate the 26-year-old has been left frustrated after finding himself discussed as a potential makeweight component in Barcelona’s pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.
Torres is now entering the final 12 months of his contract, and while Barcelona is willing to offer him fresh terms, he wants assurances over his playing time before signing anything. That has opened the door to Arsenal, who are looking at versatile attacking options to add firepower to their squad. Barcelona have set a £33m asking price, a significant reduction on the €55m they paid Manchester City for him in January 2022.
The Arteta connection makes this transfer particularly intriguing. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer of Torres, having previously worked closely with him during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. While the two did not overlap directly on the pitch, Arteta’s intimate knowledge of Torres’ qualities—his movement, versatility, and ability to play across the frontline—makes him an ideal fit for the Gunners’ system.
Torres has been one of Barcelona’s most dependable performers since joining from Manchester City in January 2022. He registered four goals and four assists in his debut campaign before embarking on a sharp upward trajectory of seven goals the following season, then 11 goals and four assists in 2023-24. His best season yet was in 2024-25 when he produced 26 goal contributions, including 19 goals and seven assists as Barcelona won a domestic treble. This season, despite competition from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, he managed 21 goals and three assists across all competitions.
Arsenal are not alone in their interest. Chelsea and Aston Villa are also keen on Torres, whose future at Barcelona has become increasingly uncertain. Manchester United have also been linked. But Arsenal’s attacking needs, with Gabriel Jesus likely to depart when his contract expires in 2027 and questions remaining over Kai Havertz’s long-term role, make Torres a particularly compelling option for Arteta.
