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Arsenal are interested in signing Uruguay international Facundo Torres, with talks set to take place this weekend, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side have stormed the Premier League this season. Their 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest last weekend saw the Gunners return to the top of the table, two points clear of Manchester City.
While Arsenal have only dropped points in two of their 12 Premier League games, there has been concern from onlookers that their title bid could be derailed by a lack of squad depth.
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Indeed, Bukayo Saka’s weekend injury was a firm reminder that the Gunners are only a couple of injuries away from looking rather thin in attack.
According to a GOAL report, Arsenal are exploring a move to sign Torres from Orlando City as cover for Saka.
The 22-year-old, who netted against Arsenal in preseason, moved to Orlando from Penarol for around £7.8million in January and has since caused a stir in the MLS.
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The Gunners have reportedly been monitoring Torres' progress since the summer, with scout Toni Lima now thought to have set up a meeting between Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar and the player's representatives to discuss a prospective move.
The meeting will allegedly take place this weekend, though a move is not yet imminent with discussions thought to be at a very early stage.
Torres has enjoyed a standout campaign for Orlando, operating either the flanks or through the middle.
The Uruguay international has netted nine goals and provided eight assists for the MLS club across 33 league games.
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Speaking after Orlando won the US Open Cup title in September, head coach Oscar Pareja said: “I think those players that change the game and take their teams on their shoulders are difficult to find.
“In Facu, we have found that already. This one game, he just took that magical moment that he brought us.”
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Meanwhile, Orlando’s technical director Ricardo Moreira added: “We see (Facundo’s) growth into the league, his understanding of the league, his understanding of the physicality and speed required has been amazing.
“He's a guy where all I have to say is that the sky is the limit. Kudos to the Wilf family, who helped us doing such an investment because I think it's all paying off today, tonight.
“There's more to come from him and I hope we can stay with Facundo as long as we can.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, MLS, Premier League, Bukayo Saka