Barcelona offer Ferran Torres as part of swap deal to sign Premier League forward: Reports
Barcelona are ready to include Ferran Torres in their offer for Jhon Duran, according to Fichajes. The Colombian striker has gone from strength to strength with Aston Villa since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023.
Last season, Duran played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park, but still managed to register eight goals from 37 games across competitions for the Villans. This season, the 20-year-old already has seven goals from 12 games.
His efforts have understandably turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent. Barcelona are also among his suitors and are plotting a move in 2025.
The Catalans are working on succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 37 next year. The Polish striker has shown no signs of slowing down so far, registering 15 goals and two assists from 13 games across competitions.
Barcelona are convinced that Duran could be a fine long-term replacement for Lewandowski. Given that the Pole is still firing on all cylinders, the youngster could be afforded time to settle at Camp Nou and learn from the best.
However, Aston Villa are aware that they have a gem in their hands and have no desire to let him go for cheap. The Catalans are hoping to sweeten the deal by including Ferran Torres in their offer.
Sporting director Deco is already working on the deal. The LaLiga giants are willing to offer €20m plus the Spaniard for Duran's services. Torres has experience of playing in the Premier League and could be a fine fit in Unai Emery's tactics.
When does Robert Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expire?
Robert Lewandowski joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and powered them to the La Liga title that season. He showed signs of regression last campaign, prompting talks of a possible exit over the summer.
Despite interest in his services from multiple suitors, the Pole stayed with the Catalans and his decision has been vindicated. A reunion with Hansi Flick has helped Lewandowski rediscover his old form and he has been phenomenal so far.
The player's contract with the club expires at the end of this season. However, there is an automatic renewal option in his deal which will be triggered if he registered a predefined number of appearances.
For now, the Barcelona No. 9 will be raring to go against Real Madrid in El Clasico. The two Spanish superpowers lock horn on Saturday, October 26, in LaLiga.