Arsenal’s interest in Orlando City winger Facundo Torres has been confirmed by the player’s agent.
The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season and find themselves at the top of the Premier League table. Their latest win came at the expense of Nottingham Forest with Mikel Arteta’s side running out 5-0 winners at The Emirates.
It was a day of positives for the Gunners with one notable blot on their copybook - the injury to Bukayo Saka. The England international has been an ever present during their impressive early-season form and already has five goals and as many assists in all competitions.
However, Saka limped out in the first half of the win over Forest after suffering injuries to his foot and ankle. Mirror Football understands there is cautious optimism that the 21-year-old has avoided serious injury, with hopes he could even be available next weekend.
Reiss Nelson came off the bench to score twice on Sunday, but the need for attacking reinforcements continues to be a priority. Arsenal had hoped to sign another winger during the summer, but saw their approach for Wolves winger Pedro Neto rebuffed in the final hours before the deadline.
Facundo Torres has emerged as a potential option for the Gunners, having impressed in MLS since leaving Penarol at the start of this year. The 22-year-old enjoyed a brilliant first campaign Stateside.
The Uruguayan scored 13 times and recorded 10 assists in all competitions, helping Orlando to their first ever piece of silverware, winning the US Open Cup. Torres also found the net against the Gunners during their pre-season tour of America in the summer.
And Edgardo Lasalvia has told ESPN that while “there is still nothing advanced” there is definite interest from North London chiefs. Lasalvia also confirmed he will have a meeting with Arsenal’s esteemed South American talent scout Toni Lima.
Lasalvia also represents Torres’ compatriot Facundo Pellistri, who is trying to finally make his breakthrough at Manchester United. Pellistri - like Torres - started with Penarol, but has failed to make any impact with the Red Devils.
Pellistri recently went public with his desire to play more senior games, with his hopes of going to the World Cup in the air.
“I am happy to play again, and now Manchester will have an important string of games, so I also hope to get minutes at the club,” he told ESPN last month. “Erik ten Hag is a good coach, with a very clear idea; I really want to start participating in the team."
But Lasalvia has admitted that his patience is wearing thin and that an exit could be on the cards in the near future. He told ESPN: "I think that with a good World Cup, as we think it will have, his departure is imminent.”
