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Lee Wilmot

Who is Pau Torres? The Dayot Upamecano alternative linked with £43m Arsenal transfer

Most Arsenal supporters will tell you the team needs more stability in defence.

The Gunners shipped 51 goals last season and have already let in 17 in 12 games in this campaign - the ninth worst defensive record in the league.

Kieran Tierney and David Luiz arrived in the summer to bolster the defence, while Arsenal also agreed a deal to sign young French defender William Saliba, although he returned to Saint Etienne for a year on loan.

There has been lots of talk around RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano and a potential January or summer transfer move for him, although he would command a big price tag.

And reports in the Sun now suggest Arsenal are in the market for a different centre-back - Pau Torres.

But who is he? We thought we'd take a look.

Who is Pau Torres?

He is a 22-year-old centre-back who plays his football in La Liga with Villarreal.

Torres came through the ranks at the Yellow Submarine, but after breaking through with six appearances for Villarreal in the 2017/18 season, went on loan to cut his teeth with Malaga in the second division last season.

There he played 40 games, scoring once and keeping 15 clean sheets.

His performances secured him a place in the first team back at Villarreal on his return to the club.

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How is he getting on this season?

Not bad at all, he's an ever-present for Villarreal.

Played every minute of their La Liga games this season, keeping four clean sheets for the mid-table side.

And his performances have also earned him a call-up to the international scene, with the 22-year-old making his debut for Spain against Malta on Friday, when he scored his first international goal too.

He said afterwards: "I saw that the ball was there and I hit it the best way I could - it was an unforgettable moment. It's the dream debut in a historic stadium, and coming on for Sergio Ramos, who is a reference point for everyone.

"I'm more than happy for the goal, but I don't know if I'm here to stay [in the national team]. I have to continue working for my club and we'll see."

Who wants him?

Arsenal have entered the race for the defender's signature, but they will not be the only ones interested.

Manchester City also have problems at the back and are reported to have watched Torres in La Liga this season.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona has also been credited with an interest.

How much will he cost?

Torres signed a new contract with Villarreal just last month.

He is contracted to the Yellow Submarine until June 2024, but is reported to have a release clause in that contract.

That release clause is rumoured to be £43million, which could test Arsenal to the limit, given the money they spent on the likes of Nicolas Pepe in the summer.

And if they fail to reach the Champions League stages once again this season, money will once again be at a premium.

The Cazorla factor

Santi Cazorla is a firm fans' favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

And the diminutive midfielder is back where he started, playing for Villarreal.

And Arsenal are reported to have stepped up their interest in the 22-year-old following a tip-off from Cazorla, who will know better than anyone just how good he is.

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