Arsenal join the fray for La Liga defender on Chelsea’s radar

Transfer News: Arsenal have joined Chelsea in their interest in Pau Torres

Arsenal are said to have joined the fray of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Pau Torres. According to Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go Podcast (h/t football.london), all three London clubs are interested in signing the 25-year-old Spanish centre-back.

The Gooners are said to have identified him as a target if Gabriel Magalhaes leaves the club. As for Chelsea, they need to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen who departed the club on free transfers last month. Having already signed Kalidou Koulibaly, Thomas Tuchel could bring in another centre-back.

Torres has been identified as one such potential target. The Spaniard was in fine form last season as he helped his side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League. He scored five goals in 32 league appearances for the Yellow Submarines as they finished seventh in the table.

A left-footed centre-back, Torres could play on the left side of the back three. The defence has to be fixed and Tuchel is aware of that. Signing Koulibaly is not enough and Chelsea are in the market for another centre-back.

Torres has been a pivotal part of the Villarreal squad and they would be reluctant to sell him. If Chelsea are serious about their interest, it would be wise for them to make a move for the centre-back as fast as possible before other teams make their move.

Tuchel has Thiago Silva and Koulibaly as his current centre-back options. Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr and Ethan Ampadu are still young and still have much to learn. A capable figure is required at the back and Torres fits that bill. A commanding figure in defence he would make a great partner to Silva and Koulibaly.

The squad is currently in the United States for their pre-season tour. They play Charlotte tomorrow in North Carolina and Koulibaly is expected to make his debut. Tuchel will be aware of the competition he faces for Torres’s signature and they could have to go all out if they want him to play for Chelsea next season.

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It will be interesting to see if any new players join the squad in the States. As for the Chelsea fans, they will love nothing more than their club beating two arch-rivals to the signature of a player.