Aston Villa ‘push continues’ for £47m Arsenal target - even despite recent admission

Aston Villa are advancing with their ‘push’ for Barcelona winger Ferran Torres despite the forward’s desire to stay at Spotify Camp Nou, according to a new report.

Signed for £48 million (€55 million) in January 2022, it was hoped Torres could become a regular starter but the likes of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati often play instead.

Torres did rack up 33 La Liga appearances last term but many of these were off the bench, with just 1,382 minutes accumulated. The Spaniard scored four and assisted two in the league.

Formerly of Manchester City, the 23-year-old has been widely stated to be surplus to requirements at Barça as a result, but he’s seemingly determined to prove his worth.

“I have a contract here, I’m going to stay,” Torres said via Spanish outlet Sport. “I don’t care what anyone says about me, I’m going to work as hard as anyone else,” he continued.

But Sport, via Sport Witness, claims Villa “haven’t given up on the signing” even though they are aware of Torres’ desire to stay put – as well as multiple other setbacks.

It’s reported Unai Emery’s side have made an official bid but it was adjudged to be “insufficient” by Barça. It’s also said Torres’ salary is too high and he’s not currently convinced by the idea.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are another team to have been heavily linked with the forward this summer, with Mikel Arteta reportedly looking to bolster his attacking depth.

Torres’ wish to stay may have been boosted by speculation linking Dembélé’ with Paris Saint-Germain, as it would open a gap for more game time. But that move hasn’t progressed.

In turn, Torres is likely the man Barça are willing to let go and he may yet switch La Liga for the Premier League – or another division – before the transfer window comes to a close.

With 15 goals in 35 international caps for Spain, as well as 39 goals and 30 assists in 211 career club appearances, it’s easy to see why Torres is a man in demand.