Arsenal turned down the chance to sign Ferran Torres from Barcelona this summer, before agreeing a loan move for Raheem Sterling.
The Gunners are understood to have been offered the chance to sign Torres from the Spanish side with the winger having struggled for regular minutes in Catalonia. Torres started just 12 games in La Liga last season with the emergence of Lamine Yamal having hindered his route to a regular role.
Arsenal have held a long-term interest in the player, who previously played in the Premier League at Manchester City. Torres scored 16 goals in 43 appearances across an 18-month spell with the Citizens before moving to Barcelona in a €55m deal in January 2022.
However, the North London side opted against a move for the 24-year-old during the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.
Arsenal instead signed Sterling on loan from London neighbours Chelsea on transfer deadline day. The latter has agreed a season-long loan deal, with Arsenal set to assess his performances – or alternative options – ahead of a permanent signing next summer.
Torres has scored 26 goals in 118 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions and has netted an impressive return of 21 goals in 48 caps for Spain. He formed part of the squad that won Euro 2024 under Luis de la Fuente during the summer.
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