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Football London
Football London
Sport
Chris Davison

Facundo Torres confirms Arsenal talks as Stan Kroenke plots next MLS transfer move

MLS star Facundo Torres has confirmed that Arsenal have held talks with Orlando City over a potential transfer.

Reports emerged in October last year which claimed the Gunners were targeting a move for the 22-year-old and had planned a meeting with his representatives to see if a deal could be struck. Speaking exclusively to 90min this week, Torres confirmed the stories were true and revealed what the latest is in regards to a possible move.

“Orlando City confirmed to me that there was contact with Arsenal, but then I left for the World Cup and I didn’t want to hear about a potential transfer at that point,” he said. “So the conversation stayed there but now that I am back with the team, we will see where the conversation goes,” Torres added.

READ MORE: 'Awesome player' - Arsenal given expert MLS verdict on Facundo Torres amid transfer rumours

As well as touching on the interest shown by Arsenal, the Uruguayan international also outlined his desire to play in Europe and named the Premier League as one of his preferred destinations.

“I would love to play in Europe. It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid. At the moment I am focused on Orlando City. But La Liga or Premier League would be my targets, and that’s where the rumours are coming from. But yeah, I would absolutely love that.”

Should a switch to the Emirates Stadium eventually take place, Torres would not be the first player to sign for Arsenal directly from the MLS following the additions of Matt Turner and Auston Trusty in the summer. It’s believed Trusty’s particular arrival was part of KSE’s plan to create deeper connections between their sporting franchises, with the aim of sharing information across their network that will allow Arsenal to expand scouting operations in North America.

As well as Torres, the Gunners are also said to have monitored FC Dallas and USMNT forward Jesus Ferreira, indicating that their scouting process in the States remains very much active.

Arsenal are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this month after priority target Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea in a deal worth £88million. Speaking to the media following Sunday’s North London Derby win against Tottenham, Mikel Arteta said: “The window is open and we try to improve the team.”

Torres certainly fits the bill in terms of what Arsenal will be looking for. The versatile winger can play anywhere across the frontline, including on the right flank where he likes to cut in on his preferred left foot. The former Penarol man is coming off the back of an impressive season, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists across 33 league appearances. Torres also bagged four goals and set up a further two in the US Open Cup, a competition he helped his side win.

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