Arsenal's search for a new winger to add to Mikel Arteta's squad may have led them to the MLS.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk talent Mykhaylo Mudryk, Wolves winger Pedro Neto and Villarreal starlet Yeremy Pino. Arsenal have Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli competing for a first-team spot on the left side of attack, whilst Bukayo Saka only has summer signing Marquinhos and Reiss Nelson as direct competition on the right wing.
The young Brazilian winger is considered a talent for the future, whilst Nelson has rarely been given a chance in the first team despite his recent impressive performance as a substitute against Nottingham Forest, in which he replaced Saka, who came off with an ankle injury. Arteta will be hoping to add one or two more signings to his squad in the January transfer window as the Gunners look to challenge at the top of the Premier League and in domestic and European competitions.
READ MORE: Arsenal begin Facundo Torres January transfer talks amid Edu 'mystery winger' search continues
A recent report from the Evening Standard claims that Arsenal are considering a January move for Orlando City forward Facundo Torres. The 22-year-old has impressed in MLS this season, scoring nine goals and claiming ten assists, and it remains to be seen whether the Gunners press ahead with a deal for him after early talks with his representatives and Orlando.
So, football.london takes a look at what sort of player Arsenal would be signing if they do pursue a deal for Torres.
Who is Facundo Torres?
Facundo Torres was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 2000 and is a talented forward currently playing in the MLS for Orlando City. The 22-year-old already has 10 Uruguay international caps after impressing at youth levels for his country and previously won the 2021 Uruguayan Primera Division title with Penarol.
Torres started his senior professional career with Penarol in 2020 before securing an £8million move to Orlando in January earlier this year. The Uruguayan forward scored 16 goals and provided a further 15 assists in 71 appearances for Penarol and is currently impressing in America, having scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in just 40 appearances for Orlando.
What would he bring to Arsenal?
Torres can play anywhere across the attack but is predominantly a right winger who likes to cut inside from wide positions onto his favoured left foot. The 22-year-old has brilliant strength to match his immense dribbling ability making him a difficult player to mark and win the ball from.
Both attributes would suit the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta has shown he can develop young talents into becoming more of a finished article over time. Torres is a clinical finisher inside the penalty box and can also offer a threat from range, whilst his ability to use both feet leaves defenders unable to predict which way he may dribble past them.
The Uruguay international is able to pick his head up and play the final pass which would suit Arteta's possession-based play style, and he has a brilliant delivery from set pieces too. His overall play style offers similarities to that of Barcelona winger Raphinha in terms of his dribbling and finishing qualities, and the Brazilian was a former transfer target for the Gunners, so it's clear to see why they're interested in his signature.
What has been said?
Torres himself has already identified his favoured position, admitting he likes to play 'freely' as opposed to being locked in one position, which is a positive for Arteta, who allows his forwards to roam and rotate their positions. The Orlando City star told The Athletic: "I feel comfortable playing any position in the attack.
"That's how I played in Uruguay. I'd start as a left-sided winger, but I'd move all over the field.
"I'd be on the right, in the middle and back to the left. I'm a player who feels comfortable in a free role versus having a fixed position.
"More than anything, I'm an attacking winger, but I can also play in the middle, behind the striker, as a No. 10. I just really like playing freely."
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