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Bailey Keogh

Barcelona star makes clear Arsenal transfer admission amid Edu's shock last-ditch £26m offer

Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.

One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Ferran Torres. But, due to how late in the window the Gunners seemed to register interest in him, a deal seemed too difficult to complete.

The Gunners were heavy on the search for a winger throughout the summer market. With Torres reportedly being touted by the Gunners, the Spaniard has opened up on the potential transfer.

READ MORE: Marquinhos sends direct response to Edu planned £35m Arsenal deal amid surprise transfer reveal

Speaking about a potential departure from Barcelona, Torres said via 90min : "An exit? I have just arrived at Barca!” he said at a promotional event.

"It’s a pride that a player like this [Lewandowski] is here, we already know him and we know what kind of player he is. There have been other signings, we are fighting to make a competitive team, which is what Barca deserves."

Arteta was thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the summer window slammed shut, and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn't been any movement since suggests that the chance to try and secure the Brazilian's services was too good to ignore.

Despite that possible explanation, Romano has claimed that Edu already has his sights set on another winger, but Arsenal's silent approach is making it difficult to get clarity over who it could be. Arsenal have been linked with a 'mystery winger', which according to Fabrizio Romano, remains a position Edu and Mikel Arteta want to address.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Arsenal tried to bring Torres back to the Premier League with a £26million bid, but it was subsequently rejected. It's added that staff at the Blaugrana were initially willing to let him go, but Xavi insisted the forward should stay.

Torres was not the only winger that the Gunners had targeted, as Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk was also reportedly on the list of potential transfers. According to Ukrainian news outlet football24tv, Arsenal held talks with Mudryk’s agents and were interested in signing the player in the summer. The report went on to say that Shakhtar Donetsk are asking for €35million (£30million), while Mudryk himself has said he is open to a move in January.

With Torres denying the possibility of him leaving La Liga anytime soon, it seems Edu will have to focus his attention elsewhere.

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