Arsenal to ‘hold talks’ with £8m Uruguay international as Bukayo Saka rival is sought

Arsenal are considering a move for Orlando City forward Facundo Torres in the January transfer window, according to reports. The Gunners are due to hold talks with the 22-year-old’s agent over a potential deal.

Torres made his senior debut for Penarol only two years ago after previously turning down a move to Juventus four years prior. The youngster made his first appearance under Uruguay icon Diego Forlan and went onto impress for the club as they won the 2021 Primeira Division title. He then went onto sign for Orlando in January of this year and has since impressed, scoring nine goals and notching eight assists in 34 appearances. The Montevideo-born star also netted in their pre-season friendly with Arsenal over the summer.

The London club’s interest in Torres is believed to party come from the findings of scout Toni Lima. The 52-year-old has a promising track record of identifying South American talent and is credited with being one of the first to spot Neymar and Philippe Coutinho.

Torres only joined Orlando for around £8 million in January but the American side will be desperate to keep hold of him after he signed a four-year contract with an option of a further 12 months. However, a move to the Premier League will undoubtedly be very tempting for the forward.

Arsenal are said to be eyeing Torres to provide Bukayo Saka with competition on the right, with the England international starting all 12 of their league matches so far this season. Saka was forced off with an injury in their last match against Nottingham Forest, with Reiss Nelson replacing him in his first Premier League match since August 2021.

Torres would join Brazilian trio Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli as the Gunners’ fourth South American in the senior team if he was to make the switch to the Premier League. He would also add yet more youth to the Arsenal squad, with eleven of this season’s stars all 23 or under.