Arsenal plot bid for World Cup star Guardiola once compared to Jamie Vardy

Arsenal are reportedly targeting the January signing of Barcelona and Spain star Ferran Torres - a player once compared to Leicester forward Jamie Vardy.

Torres has recently been playing at the World Cup with Spain. He started their opening group game against Costa Rica, scoring twice in a 7-0 win.

He then started the 1-1 draw against Germany, playing as a centre forward in both games.

Torres moved to Barcelona in January from Manchester City, ending what was a protracted transfer saga.

He made just four appearances for City last term, primarily due to injury, but did net seven goals and provide two assists in 24 Premier League games in the 2020/21 campaign.

He scored a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over Newcastle in May 2021, one of the first times he operated in a centre forward role under Pep Guardiola.

And it was following another hat-trick in the following August, against Leicester, that the Spaniard compared the 22-year-old to Vardy.

Guardiola said (via City Xtra): "Now, in this position, he makes movements like the best strikers in behind. Like Jamie Vardy. He is a good finisher, he is so young. Man City made an incredible job buying him."

Now, after a year at Camp Nou, Torres could be in line for a surprise move back to the Premier League.

Arsenal interested in Ferran Torres

According to Football.London, Torres is on Arsenal's radar as Edu and Mikel Arteta look to add another winger to their squad in January.

But interest in Torres has also arisen due to the knee injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazil forward having surgery on medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage sustained during the World Cup.

Torres is primarily a wide forward player, but has successful experience of playing centrally, meaning he could operate in Jesus' role until the Brazilian returns.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed earlier this month that Torres has 'lost confidence' of manager Xavi, meaning Barca would be willing to allow him to leave.

But the 22-year-old has made 18 appearances this term in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

He may be convinced to depart, however, having briefly worked with Arteta during his time at Man City before the Spaniard became Arsenal boss.