Arsenal report: Uruguayan wonderkid Facundo Torres to join in January

Arsenal are set to land Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres from Orlando City.

That’s according to reports that claim the Gunners, who are in the market for another winger, are set to sign yet another MLS player following two recent captures. In January, Austin Trusty joined from Colorado Rapids, staying on loan in the US before going to Birmingham City on loan this season, while over the summer, national team No.1 Matt Turner was signed. 

The north Londoners are owned by Colorado-based Kroenke Sports Entertainment, who also own the Rapids. A lot more focus has gone into the American market in recent months, with loanees arriving from America, too. There have even been rumours of the Gunners acquiring an affiliate club, following the increased presence of mergers and acquisitions expert, Tim Lewis.

Now, the Evening Standard are reporting that Arsenal have launched a bid for 22-year-old star Torres, following the findings of scout Toni Lima. 

Lima, who was among the first to identify the likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho, has given the green light for Torres, following displays in Major League Soccer. Though few Premier League clubs scout in these waters, Arsenal are starting to with more regularity and will be encouraged by the form of the likes of Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron as proof that plenty of talent can be found in the US football system. 

Torres arrived from Uruguayan club Penarol in January of this year. He is represented by the same agency as Manchester United starlet Facundo Pellistri and is contracted until 2025. 

With Arsenal light when it comes to wide attackers, it’s probable that the club will target depth in the January transfer market. Bukayo Saka leaving the pitch with an ankle injury in Sunday’s 5-0 drubbing of Nottingham Forest may accelerate plans to target a first-teamer to keep the Gunners’ title challenge alive – but Torres is certainly a talent for the future who could compete for a spot over the next few years. 

Capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, Torres is most often used as a left-winger, meaning that he could be used as cover for Gabriel Martinelli, who also went off early during the Forest win. 

Torres is valued at around £6 million by Transfermarkt. 

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli; the Gunners are said to have already made contact with the Italy international's camp. The club are also interested in Evan Ndicka in defence, while N'Golo Kante and Federico Valverde are targets, too. 

Meanwhile, one man who could be heading for the Emirates Stadium exit door is Gabriel Martinelli: there's been talk of Chelsea making a shock swoop for the winger.

In other news, Aaron Ramsdale says that the Gunners have been motivated to succeed this season by the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification last term.