Barcelona star Ferran Torres breaks silence on Arsenal transfer after Mikel Arteta admission

Arsenal transfer news: Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has played down rumours linking him with a summer move to the Premier League

Barcelona star Ferran Torres has responded to rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer. The winger has been tipped for a big-money move to the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners reignited their interest.

Torres joined the La Liga giants in 2022 having spent two seasons in the Premier League with Manchester City. The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals and assisted nine for Barca, but has struggled for starts under Xavi with the array of options in attack.

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all been credited with interest in Torres, with Barcelona said to be open to a potential loan move.

And after the game, Torres was quizzed about his future. "It's very important for a striker to start scoring, to get off to a good start. I'm going to fight for a place in the team. And then it is up to the coach to decide (my future)," Torres tells Sport.

"The names (linked with moves away) are provided by journalists. I have a contract here. I'm going to stay. I don't care what anyone says about me.

"I'm going to work as hard as anyone else."

Torres' stance more or less puts an end to any hopes of Arsenal luring him to north London. This won't necessarily be bad news for Mikel Arteta, who hinted that his side don't need any more attackers this window.

"We need to score as many goals as possible and if we have someone who scores 25, 30, 40 goals great. Gabi [Gabriel Jesus] today didn’t score but it’s the best Gabi I have seen for months.

"Transmitting that energy, that belief. He was creating a lot of chaos, a lot of good moments and making everyone better. I’m really pleased with that and the contribution of Kai [Havertz].

"He has that quality and that’s why he’s playing that position with Leo [Trossard]. We have a lot of options up front and they are going to have to compete between them to give me a hard time."

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