Pau Torres: Should Arsenal make a move for the Villarreal starlet?

Pau Torres: Should Arsenal make a move for the Villarreal starlet?

By Peter White

Unbeaten in six games with five consecutive clean sheets, it’s fair to say that Arsenal have something of a spring in their step at the moment. 

A substantial turn in form since Boxing Day has raised hopes of a Gunners charge into the European places, while at the same time turning attention away from what might have become their worst Premier League season since 1994-95, when they finished 12th. 

While Mikel Arteta and his men aren’t out of the woods yet, the Spaniard is busy formulating plans to maintain his team’s irresistible run of form. 

With the January transfer window still open, could the injection of a high-profile signing into his ranks provide the magic touch required to boost his squad’s spirits and performance levels going into the business end of the campaign? 

Much has been said about the need for reinforcements in midfield and attack - with Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Norwich’s Emi Buendia among the names being touted - but here we consider whether added strength in Arsenal’s backline would serve them more success. 

Pablo Mari and Gabriel have established themselves as key components of a Gunners defence that opposition attacks have failed to breach in five consecutive games - the first time that has happened in 11 years. 

The likes of Rob Holding and David Luiz have also played their part in laying the foundations for Arsenal’s in-form attackers to score freely and earn the points, but the latter - alongside fellow defender Shkodran Mustafi - is out of the contract at the end of the season, while Sokratis left the club earlier this week. 

Such circumstances – coupled with the recent loan departures of Sead Kolasinac and William Saliba – could pave the way for a new recruit, in addition to young centre-back Omar Rekik who has linked up with the under-23s. 

Spain international Pau Torres has reportedly been the subject of Arsenal interest for the better part of a year, with Arteta seemingly still keen on beating some of Europe’s biggest-hitters in the race for his signature. 

Here, we weigh up the pros and cons associated with a move for the 23-year-old, and deliver our verdict on whether his proposed arrival at the Emirates would make sense. 

The pros

Boasting seven Spain caps and already a key element of a Villarreal XI launching a real attack on the La Liga Champions League places, there is no doubt that Torres would bring a wealth of talent to north London if he was to sign for Arsenal. 

Indeed, former Arsenal boss – and current Villarreal chief – Unai Emery has heaped praise on the former Malaga loanee recently, declaring: “I've been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres. 

“I think he’s going to play at the highest level, he’s playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon.” 

In 19 appearances for El Submarino Amarillo in all competitions this season, Torres has showcased a high level of composure, rarely diving into challenges and instead shutting down attacks using intelligent positioning. 

His ability on the ball would also likely see him fit in well at Arsenal, with Torres capable of bringing the ball out of defence to start attacks or knock accurate balls over the top to initiate piercing counter attacks. 

Still relatively young with his best playing days ahead of him, but with around 100 career appearances already in the bank, Torres would represent a shrewd long-term investment capable of contributing to Arsenal’s efforts immediately. 

The cons

Torres signed a contract extension in October 2019 that ties him to Villarreal until 2024, with a reported release clause of around £45m likely needed to be met to facilitate any movement. 

While that figure might be considered to be the going rate for a Spain international burgeoning with potential, it is up for debate whether Arteta - or indeed the Arsenal board - would be willing to splash that sort of cash on another left-footed defender.

With Arteta known to prefer fielding one left-footed, and one right-footed centre-half to give his backline balance, a move for Torres might not make sense with Pablo Mari and Gabriel already having the former covered. 

In addition, while the likes of Luiz and Mustafi may soon be on their way, there is currently no shortage of central defenders in Arteta’s squad, with Holding having signed a new contract earlier this month, and Calum Chambers and Konstantinos Mavropanos other names that could come into the fray. 

There is also the question of whether Arsenal could even lure Torres to the Emirates. La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly keen on bringing him in as a long-term replacement for Sergio Ramos, a move which could prove too good to turn down. 

Verdict

There is little doubt that if Torres were to walk through the gates at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, it would generate a wave of energy and excitement, but we’re not so sure we can see it happening. 

While he would add great competition to Arsenal’s defence and would surely fit into Arteta’s system, the addition of Pablo Mari and Gabriel over the last year suggest that such attention should be focused elsewhere. 

The addition of a right-footed centre-back might make more sense, to re-emphasise the balance at the back that has helped the Gunners prove a tough nut to crack over recent weeks. 

Don’t be surprised to see Torres go on to forge a successful future at club and international level, however. Earning such high praise from Emery at the age of 23 – it’s clear he has something special.

Photo Credit: Getty Images