Speaking in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that multiple Premier League clubs showed interest in Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres in the recent summer transfer window.
He said: “It’s true, Pau Torres was on Manchester United’s list but then the option collapsed as Erik ten Hag wanted Lisandro Martinez as the priority in that position.
“Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham also explored this possibility but didn’t want to spend £35-40 million. Still, I think it’s a very good opportunity on the market; he has experience, quality, left-footed … a very good centre-back.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I’d like to see what he could do in the Premier League.”
Pau Torres Priced Out of Premier League Move
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham considered Pau Torres this summer, so why didn't a deal happen, and did they miss a big opportunity?
Full story 👇👇
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) September 26, 2022
Could We See Torres Arrive in the Premier League Next Summer?
Given that the main sticking point in a potential deal involving Pau Torres this summer was the £35 million price tag set by Villarreal, it is possible. The 25-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024, which means that by the time the next summer transfer window commences, the Spaniard will have just one year left on his Villarreal contract.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea Could Offload ‘Fantastic’ Defender in January After Blocking Summer Exit
Should Torres fail to sign a contract extension prior to that transfer window, Villarreal’s position of power will weaken – opening the door for a potential bargain.
🗣️ @FabrizioRomano on #Arsenal’s interest in Pau Torres this summer: “Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs explored this possibility but didn’t want to spend €40-45m. It’s a very good opportunity on the market; he has experience, quality, left footed. A very good CB.” [via @caughtoffside] pic.twitter.com/QhKLfWrX0W
— Arsenal Buzz (@ArsenalBuzzCom) September 26, 2022
Pau Torres’ Most Likely Premier League Suitors
As Romano explained, the arrival of Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford has essentially ruled out a possible move to Manchester United for Torres. Arsenal are also likely to have permanently moved on from their interest in the centre-back given that their current pairing in this position, Gabriel and William Saliba, have had an impressive start to the season.
By rule of elimination then, Torres’ most likely Premier League destination, should he arrive next summer, seems to be either Chelsea or Tottenham. On paper at least, Torres is a great fit for both London clubs given that they currently both operate with a back-three; a system in which a specialised left-footed centre-back is of great benefit.
Read More: ‘I Don’t Really Read About It’ – Manchester United Star Claps Back at Critics Over England Selection
Tottenham, in particular, are known to be looking to strengthen in this position, having signed Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan after missing out on their primary target, Alessandro Bastoni, and are likely to want to find a permanent solution in the next summer transfer window.
If Villarreal do lower their asking price, don’t be surprised to see one of these two clubs move for the Spaniard and bring Pau Torres to the Premier League.
