Barcelona’s attempts to sign Manchester City forward Ferran Torres have stepped up a gear, according to reports in Spain. Torres has emerged as a transfer target for Barca in recent days and the Spanish giants have now reportedly reached an agreement with the youngster over a transfer.
Torres is only 18 months into a five-year contract with Man City following his £20.8million move from Valencia in the summer of 2020.
The 21-year-old has shown promising signs of development under Pep Guardiola, contributing 16 goals and four assists in 43 appearances so far.
He emerged as a useful option at centre-forward following Sergio Aguero’s departure to Barcelona and the failure to sign Harry Kane in the summer before picking up an injury.
But it seems Torres is unhappy at City and is already eyeing a return to his home country with Barcelona.
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Torres is said to be ‘seduced’ by the idea of playing a more prominent role at Barcelona and the club will now try to convince Man City chief executive Ferran Soriano to sell.
Guardiola is a fan of Torres, but his long-standing relationship with Barca means he won’t stand in the way of a move, if it comes to fruition.
Barcelona have made their pitch, Torres wants to leave and Man City might be open to selling, but agreeing a transfer fee could still present a major problem. Nevertheless, it seems the wheels are in motion.
“Ferran is a great player and we are working with discretion,” Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste told AS on Monday.
“We have friends at Manchester City and there is a good relationship. [Chief executive] Ferran Reverter has paid a courtesy call.
“I understand the questions but, out of respect for the players and the clubs, we cannot give expectations that could end up being positive or negative.”
Xavi has started his stint as manager with two wins in La Liga and a draw in the Champions League and he refused to discuss the club’s interest in Torres on the weekend.
“It’s not the right time to talk about signings,” he said after Barca’s 3-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday. “Not right after the game, which will give us a great boost of morale.”
