Arsenal ‘remain keen’ on ex-Man City attacker after £26m transfer bid was rejected

Arsenal splashed the cash on their attack this summer as they bolstered their ranks with Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and young prospect Marquinhos.

However, reports claim that the Gunners missed out on one of their primary targets and remain interested in the forward.

According to Italian outlet CMW, Arsenal saw a bid of £25.75 million rejected for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres this summer - only six months after he was sold by Manchester City.

The Spaniard only spent 16 months in England after failing to hold down a place in City’s starting XI, however he has since impressed at the Nou Camp and bagged 12 goal contributions since his move.

However, this summer’s addition of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski has forced Torres down the pecking order and Arsenal were eager to offer him a second chance in the Premier League and more minutes on the pitch.

Mikel Arteta had already allowed Nicolas Pepe to head to Nice on loan towards the end of the window and it looks like they saw Torres as a potential replacement for the Ivorian.

While Barcelona refused to let the 22-year-old leave before last week’s deadline, the report claims that Arsenal could still make a move for the attacker in January - though they will face stiff competition from AC Milan.

Torres certainly fits Arsenal’s blueprint this season, however the youngster will know it won’t be easy forcing his way into the line-up when he is up against the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

With another five years remaining on his contract in Spain, the Gunners would certainly have to fork out a hefty fee if they were to lure Torres away from his native country once again.