27 July 2023 , 17:49
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Barcelona forward Ferran Torres insists he 'doesn't care' about transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Arsenal.
Torres, 23, is claimed to be a transfer target for the Gunners and Aston Villa after failing to make much of an impression at Camp Nou. The Spain international has scored just eight LaLiga goals for Barcelona since arriving from Manchester City 18 months ago.
Torres, who has four years remaining on his contract, played 45 games for Barcelona last season - helping them win the LaLiga title - but many of those appearances came from the bench. His long-term future at the club remains in question, with boss Xavi Hernandez understood to be open to selling as the club looks to raise money through player sales.
Yet he is determined to fight for his place. The former Valencia star was asked about his future after Arsenal's 5-3 win over the Blaugrana in California on Wednesday night, with Torres scoring Barcelona's third goal.
When asked about the rumours post-game, Torres said: "The names on Barca transfer list are placed by the journalists.
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"I have a contract here, I’m going to stay. I don’t care what is said about me. I’m going to work like anyone else. I am the first self-critic, it was not a good season last year but I learned a lot. These ups and downs have helped me to be stronger now."
Arsenal were victorious thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira, as well as a brace from Leandro Trossard. The Gunners have already signed one forward in Havertz this summer, but he is expected to play in midfield for Mikel Arteta's side as part of a new-look triumvirate, alongside captain Martin Odegaard and £105million man Declan Rice.
Ferran Torres played against Arsenal on Wednesday night (Getty Images)Who do you think Arsenal should sign this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
Villa are thought to be more interested in signing Torres, as former Gunners boss Unai Emery prepares for a European campaign at Villa Park. The Birmingham club have qualified for the upcoming Conference League tournament and have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of record signing Moussa Diaby, Spain international defender Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans - with Emery hoping to launch a top four fight.
Arsenal have already spent more than £200million to bring Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Rice to the Emirates this summer, but Mikel Arteta has suggested he still wants more.
"Let's see, there is a lot of time still in the market," said Arteta when asked about more transfers. "There is a lot of expectation with some of our players. We will have to see how things develop in the next few weeks. We will be alert, there is still time to do things, there is still time for exits obviously, so I am sure things will move."
Several players could leave Arsenal over the coming weeks, including Kieran Tierney. Newcastle and Celtic are thought to be interested in the £34m-rated left-back, who has fallen behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order at Arsenal.
Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares, Cedric Soares, Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe and Folarin Balogun are all also candidates to leave the Emirates in the near future. It's believed the Gunners want to raise £70m from sales.