Arsenal could launch bid for Barcelona star with the club 'needing to sell'

Arsenal could launch a January bid for Ferran Torres, with the La Liga club needing to sell in January.

The Gunners are currently some seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and will look to consolidate their electric start to the season with some January business.

Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is believed to be their No.1 target.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already seen a £55million offer rebuffed by Shakhtar Donetsk for the 21-year-old, though they are likely to submit an improved offer imminently.

However, Arsenal have also been linked with Barcelona forward Torres, with the cash-strapped La Liga club in need of extra funds in January.

Torres to Arsenal?

Catalunya Radio have claimed Barcelona must reduce their wage bill by at least €200million (£176million).

This is because the club are reportedly unable to use any of its financial levers to sign players. In turn, the Catalan giants will need to sell.

One player that could depart is Torres, with Arsenal having previously enquired over the 22-year-old’s availability in the summer window.

Moreover, last month journalist Dean Jones claimed the Gunners “clearly believe” Torres will be available for transfer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport Jones claimed: “They really like Ferran Torres, and they clearly believe he might become available because they inquired about him in the summer as well.

“So, if they’re sniffing around him again now, they sense that something’s up.”

Barcelona’s financial levers

In the past Barcelona have sold a number of their assets to fund player acquisitions.

For instance, a 49.9 per cent sale of BLM, the company that manages the club’s official merchandise, was approved last year in a deal worth in the region of €200million.

Moreover, the La Liga giants have sold 10 per cent of their television rights to Sixth Street in June 2022 in a deal worth €267million, of which the US firm will invest €207m back into the club.