Arsenal is currently exploring the option of signing forward Facundo Torres from MLS-based outfit Orlando City in the winter transfer market which opens in January.

Arsenal is currently exploring the option of signing forward Facundo Torres from MLS-based outfit Orlando City in the winter transfer market which opens in January.

The Gunners will be looking to hold talks with his camp and club very soon as they continue to push the idea of acquiring a player to provide further competition to star Bukayo Saka in the right-wing position. Mikel Arteta’s side had initially been interested in signing former Leeds United winger Raphinha for that position but the Brazilian opted for Barcelona instead.

It is a key area of the pitch that Arteta has insisted on strengthening and the Uruguayan international has emerged as the most likely target recently.

Torres has been in impressive form in MLS this season, scored nine goals, and registered 10 assists so far. With that being said, talks are still at an early stage and it will be interesting to see whether they go forward with the deal after they hold talks with his representatives as well as Orlando City.

Torres has already squared off against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly during the summer break where he scored against them. He has only recently moved to Orlando, securing the transfer in January. The MLS side paid £7.75 million from Uruguayan side Penarol and signed a four-year contract with the option to extend by another additional 12 months.

Arsenal’s interest in Torres is believed to partly be born out of the findings of scout Toni Lima. Since technical director Edu was appointed at Emirates Stadium in 2019, the club has shifted to a more data-led approach when identifying talent.

However, they continue to rely on more traditional approaches to scouting methods and Lima has a strong track record of identifying South American talent. He has previously spotted players like Neymar and Philippe Coutinho and was appointed by Arsenal in 2021.

Arsenal have been tracking several right wingers over the past year or so, including Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Torres is represented by one of the biggest talent agencies in Uruguay and they also look after Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri.