With Kroenke Sports & Entertainment looking to grow Arsenal’s scouting network in North America, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Gunners are said to be eyeing a move for Orlando City’s star man.
As football.london has previously explained, KSE explored a number of ways to build stronger connections between their sporting franchises in order to expand Arsenal’s scouting operations across the North American continent.
The deal that saw Auston Trusty complete a move from Kroenke-owned Colorado Rapids in the summer is thought to have been part of this process, while the arrival of Matt Turner is also an indication that eyes are being kept on the MLS.
READ MORE: Three MLS talents Arsenal can sign in January to continue Stan Kroenke's new transfer strategy
However, it appears the club aren't finished in this particular market just yet after various reports claimed that Arsenal are set to hold talks over signing Facundo Torres in January. The versatile winger, who can operate on either side or through the middle, has gained plenty of attention in recent months after enjoying a standout campaign for Orlando.
Having racked up nine goals and eight assists across 33 league games, as well as an additional four goals and two assists in six cup appearances, Torres has established himself as one of MLS’ most exciting young talents. Interestingly, the Uruguayan international is no stranger to Arsenal after scoring against them during pre-season.
It’s believed that Arsenal initially planned to recruit a new winger in the summer after Nicolas Pepe was allowed to join OGC Nice on loan, however, injuries in midfield meant that the focus shifted elsewhere.
Concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness have continued to mount since and those fears became a reality on Sunday after the 21-year-old hobbled off in the first half against Nottingham Forest.
With Arsenal sitting top of the Premier League and progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League, Mikel Arteta will need to find ways to help his side maintain consistency throughout what is a hugely demanding fixture schedule. Torres has emerged as a possible option to ease depth concerns, but what’s been said about him prior to the transfer links?
Speaking after Orlando City claimed the US Open Cup title in September, head coach Oscar Pareja was full of praise for Torres, who played a crucial role in helping his side secure their first-ever piece of silverware as an MLS club.
“I think those players that change the game and take their teams on their shoulders are difficult to find,” Pareja said. “In Facu, we have found that already. This one game, he just took that magical moment that he brought us.”
Orlando City technical director Ricardo Moreira also heaped praise on Torres, saying: “We see (Facundo’s) growth into the league, his understanding of the league, his understanding of the physicality and speed required has been amazing.
“He's a guy where all I have to say is that the sky is the limit. Kudos to the Wilf family, who helped us doing such an investment because I think it's all paying off today, tonight. There's more to come from him and I hope we can stay with Facundo as long as we can.”
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