Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements in January led them to Barcelona, but their approach was swiftly rejected.
A key summer decision now looms.
Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window led them to explore a deal for Ferran Torres, but Barcelona swiftly rejected their advances.
With Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season and Eddie Nketiah sold, Mikel Arteta was left with only Kai Havertz as a recognised striker. Yet despite their urgent need for firepower, Arsenal ultimately opted against short-term fixes, with their interest in Torres met with firm resistance from Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco.
According to reports in Marca, Arsenal were one of several clubs that enquired about Torres’ availability in January, alongside AC Milan, Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund.
The La Liga side had initially been open to listening to offers for the forward, but their stance hardened as the window progressed. When Milan revisited their summer interest in the former Manchester City attacker, seeking an alternative to Álvaro Morata, they were given a definitive response—Torres was not for sale.
Barcelona’s decision was influenced by Hansi Flick, who values Torres’ contribution despite his limited starting opportunities this season. The forward has made 24 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, averaging a goal contribution every 85 minutes. His ability to impact games off the bench made him an indispensable part of Barcelona’s attacking depth, ensuring he remained at the Camp Nou beyond January.
For Arsenal, missing out on Torres was part of a broader pattern in the winter window. Their pursuit of Ollie Watkins never progressed due to Aston Villa’s prohibitive asking price, while a late move for Nico Williams also went nowhere. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, a long-term target, was unavailable mid-season but remains a priority for the summer, with a €60m release clause that Arsenal are expected to trigger.
Speaking about Arsenal’s failure to sign a striker, Arteta remained philosophical. “No [I’m not frustrated], because when you try your best and you do things with the right process, and you see the people that we all share the same intentions with and wills, and after you don’t achieve it, okay there are things to learn from it, there always are but you have to move on,” he said before the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United.
With Torres staying at Barcelona and Arsenal opting to wait for the right signing, the Gunners’ title ambitions will now rest on Havertz’s ability to lead the line until reinforcements arrive in the summer.