Arsenal 'told asking price' to sign former Man City star Ferran Torres this summer

The Spanish international moved to Camp Nou from Manchester City for a reported fee of €52 million in January 2022, having spent just 18 months at the Etihad Stadium.

But there were plenty of highlights during that time, including a superb hat-trick during a 4-3 win over Newcastle in April 2021.

City boss Pep Guardiola described Torres as 'incredible' after the feat, explaining to the club's official website: "Every time he plays in that position [striker], he has a real sense of goal. The last one is a big example of that, the intuition to know where the ball comes and be there to score."

And after not starting any of his side's last six league matches, there is speculation that Torres could depart Camp Nou - with Arsenal said to be interested.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Torres' exit from Barcelona will be 'managed with great care' given the large fee that the club shelled out to buy him from Manchester City.

Arsenal could do battle with Aston Villa to secure his services, with talkSPORT claiming earlier this month that both clubs were keen on signing the forward.

Barcelona, meanwhile, want to complete a high-profile trio of free transfers, as per the Daily Mail. As well as the return of Lionel Messi to Camp Nou, the club are also keen on completing deals for Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Athletic Bilbao centre-back Inigo Martinez.