Arsenal rejected chance to sign Barcelona attacker in the summer - Reports
Arsenal reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres in the summer. According to a report by Football Transfers (via The Hard Tackle), the Gunners were offered the Spanish international's services but turned down the offer.
As per the report, Torres is one player the Spanish club are looking to offload as they plan to free up funds amidst their current financial struggles. The 24-year-old attacker has failed to maintain top form since joining La Blaugrana from Manchester City for a reported €55 million in January 2022.
Last season, he contributed 11 goals and four assists in 42 games across competitions. As a result of his inconsistency, Torres lost his place in the first-team under Xavi Hernandez, with Robert Lewandowski being the former manager's first-choice attacker instead.
The former Valencia star has not seen much improvement under new manager Hansi Flick. He has struggled to get game time under the German tactician, playing only 430 minutes in 10 appearances across competitions. During this time, he scored one goal and provided two assists.
Furthermore, with Lewandowski performing exceptionally well this season, Torres' opportunities to secure a spot in the first team seem to be diminishing. Given the player's desire for more playing time and the club's willingness to sell, Torres may be offloaded in the upcoming months.
Arsenal are not considering a move for him in the January transfer window. However, the former Manchester City forward has also been linked to other top European clubs, most notably AC Milan. His contract with Barca expires in 2027.
It's important to note that while the Gunners rejected Torres, they brought in Raheem Sterling instead on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea.
Ian Wright urges fans to rally behind struggling Arsenal striker
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called for the club's supporters to show support for Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker has suffered a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign, registering no goal contributions in eight games across competitions.
Wright recently said about the 27-year-old (via Mirror):
"Can I just say something about Gabriel Jesus because I feel the need to support him right now. I really, really do. I know there's a feeling that we may have outgrown him but remember when Gabby came, he was a leveller, he levelled us up.
"Arsenal are at a certain level now but we will definitely need him at some stage so I think it's important in this moment for the Arsenal fans to support him. They have to get behind him. Don't be frustrated with the way he's playing."
Wright continued:
"He's trying so hard at the moment and we're going to need him. We need to make sure we give him confidence because he's won this [the Premier League ] four times. He's been clutch in many situations before.
"Listening to the murmurings and the way the fans are… please, man, back this guy, stay with him. He wants to do so well and it’s just not happening right now but he needs support, he really, really does."
Gabriel Jesus' time at the Emirates has been marred with multiple injuries, limiting him to 77 games. He has scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in that period.