Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has been searching for a 'mystery winger' to add to Mikel Arteta's squad and provide competition for Bukayo Saka.
Shakhtar Donetsk talent Mykhaylo Mudryk remains of interest to the Gunners, but Edu was put off by the Ukrainian outfit's £100million valuation during the summer transfer window. Arsenal hold a long-term interest in Wolves star Pedro Neto, but a move never materialised after the Midlands outfit slapped a £50million price tag on the 22-year-old winger.
Yeremy Pino of Villarreal was another target linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but once again, the Gunners did not make a move despite the young Spaniard having a release clause in the region of £32million. Edu's search for a new winger to bring into Arteta's squad has now led them to pursue a deal for Orlando City star Facundo Torres.
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According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are considering a January move for Torres, who has impressed in MLS this season, scoring nine goals and claiming ten assists. The Gunners are due to hold talks with the Uruguay international's agent as they target a right winger to provide competition for Saka, who picked up an ankle injury during the 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Torres played and scored against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly during the Gunners' pre-season tour of America in the summer and only moved to Orlando in January. The 22-year-old left Uruguayan side Penarol for around £7.75million, signing a four-year contract with the option for a further 12 months.
Arsenal's interest in Torres is believed to be partly due to the findings of scout Toni Lima. Since technical director Edu was appointed at Emirates Stadium in 2019, the club has shifted to a more data-led approach when identifying talent.
Lima was appointed in 2021 and has a strong track record of identifying South American talent, credited with being one of the first to spot Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar and former Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho. The Gunners will need reinforcements in January if they are to continue fighting at the top of the Premier League table, along with challenging in the domestic cup competitions and in the Europa League as they aim for a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.
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