One For The Future

Arsenal should swoop for Facundo Torres

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Arsenal are targeting Facundo Torres in the January transfer window as they look to fortify the flanks and maintain their staggering title charge. 

What’s the word?

Prominent Goal reporter Charles Watts recently released a statement on Twitter regarding the prospective move, saying: 

“Discussions over a potential move for Facundo Torres very much at an early stage. 

“He has made an impression on the scouting team, but it hasn’t really gone beyond that yet – Further talks planned as Arsenal continue to look for Saka cover.”

Saka needs the support

Whilst the right side of Arsenal’s attack is in capable hands, with homegrown star Bukayo Saka continuing a meteoric rise for club and country, additional support could be worthwhile following a relentless start to the campaign.

The Gunners are currently firing on all cylinders, topping the Premier League table and their Europa League group, with Saka playing in every single match across both competitions.

As such, an added presence in this department would be music to Spanish boss Mikel Arteta’s ears with concerns of a burnout in the latter stage of the campaign surely on his mind, especially with the forthcoming World Cup planted right in the middle.

Transfer rumours are flying around the Emirates Stadium like a flock of pigeons right now, with the circulating story surrounding the Gunners’ interest in the Orlando City star indeed starting to take flight.

Whilst the England Men’s Player of the Year is arguably Arteta’s most coveted asset, he is certainly at risk of damage, having picked up an injury scare against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Furthermore, at just 21 years old, Saka is set to play a starring role in England’s World Cup campaign, and should the Three Lions reach the deep end of the tournament pool then the ‘starboy’ may just find himself in a beleaguered position regarding fitness levels. 

The season will only heat like a scorching furnace with the turn of the calendar year, and Arsenal would do well to place another exciting talent like Torres into the fray, easing Saka’s workload and providing another edge to the right flank. 

The Uruguayan Torres, who was dubbed by compatriot and iconic striker Luis Suarez as a “monster”, could bring that menacing presence to north London, integrating into Arsenal’s flowing attack without seam.

This year alone, Torres has registered 13 goals and ten assists across 40 matches for City, and at just 22 years old slots into Arteta’s philosophy like water in a jug, with ample room to grow.

The ten-cap international has also demonstrated assertive confidence across the lines, capable of playing well in any forward position, bringing versatility that will leave him in good stead should Arteta swoop. 

SofaScore provides seasonal data on Torres’ slick passing accuracy – at 84% – and willingness to track back and defend – making 1.1 tackles per match – which only furthers his stock as a tenacious and committed team player, eager to succeed across the field. 

With the player likely to feature for Uruguay at the World Cup, Gunners owner Stan Kroenke will be aware of the likely balloon in market value should the player leave his mark on the tournament. 

With a shark tank of suitors lurking just around the corner, Arsenal should bite the bullet and swoop in January and make a fine addition to what’s starting to look like a formidable football squad. 

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