Arsenal have been told the price they must pay if they wish to sign Orlando City and Uruguay star Facundo Torres following initial talks.
Reports emerged in October last year which claimed the Gunners were targeting a move for the 22-year-old winger and had planned a meeting with his representatives to see if a deal could be struck. Speaking to 90min in January, Torres confirmed the stories were true and revealed what the latest was in regards to a future move.
"Orlando City confirmed to me that there was contact with Arsenal, but then I left for the World Cup and I didn't want to hear about a potential transfer at that point," he said. "So the conversation stayed there but now that I am back with the team, we will see where the conversation goes," Torres added.
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It would appear that the conversation didn't end up going anywhere, for now at least. After missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal strengthened their attack with the addition of Leandro Trossard, who has hit the ground running in north London. Torres himself has also moved on from all of the speculation and will sign a new contract with Orlando which includes a release clause worth £25million, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Although Torres seems to have his head and heart focused solely on Orlando at this moment in time, a reasonable release clause may result in further interest, especially if he continues to impress.
The versatile forward scored nine goals and provided eight assists across 33 league appearances last season, in addition to four goals and two assists in the US Open Cup, a competition he helped his side win. He has also started the new MLS campaign in fine fashion too, scoring from the penalty spot against New York Red Bulls to secure all three points for Orlando on the opening match day.
With Arsenal scoring goals and Gabriel Jesus closing in on a return, it's safe to say that Torres' services aren't required right now, but with Champions League football increasingly likely to return to the Emirates Stadium next season, there is still the chance for things to change. Mikel Arteta will want to ensure he has enough quality - and options - to cope with the increasing demands that will no doubt emerge should his side finish in the top four or even better, claim the league title.
Come the summer, the emphasis will be on raising the bar even higher, with the transfer window set to play an important role in achieving just that. The Gunners are already being linked with big-money moves for the likes of Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, so a £25million swoop for Torres to add that little bit of extra quality could be a smart piece of business.
As well as confirming the interest shown by Arsenal, Torres also outlined his desire to play in Europe and named the Premier League as one of his preferred destinations.
"I would love to play in Europe. It's a dream I've had since I was a kid. At the moment I am focused on Orlando City. But La Liga or Premier League would be my targets, and that's where the rumours are coming from. But yeah, I would absolutely love that."
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