Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres has claimed that he will stay at the club this summer, despite links to a number of sides including Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old was targeted by Monchi and Unai Emery to add additional firepower to the squad, but it now appears that a move will not happen in this window.
The former Manchester City attacker lost his starting place at Barcelona, and their poor financial situation made him a candidate for the exit door as a valuable asset.
Villa were interested in signing him, but after securing a deal for Moussa Diaby, it is unclear whether any interest remained on their part.
Speaking after Barcelona’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal, in which Torres scored, the versatile winger claimed that his future lies at the Camp Nou.
“The names (for the exit door) are given by journalists. I have a contract here, I’m going to stay. I don’t care what anyone says about me. I’m going to work as hard as anyone else,” he stated.
Should Villa move for Ferran Torres?
The signing of Diaby perhaps indicates that Villa may not sign another winger, but Torres’ versatility could see him play upfront, on the left or even behind the striker.
However, given his clear desire to remain at Barcelona, a deal would only be possible if the club pushed him towards the door, and he had a change of heart.
Torres has more Premier League, European and international experience than Diaby, and offers more in the air. However, Diaby is coming off the back of a productive season, whilst Torres struggled for consistency and regular minutes last year.
He could be a player that Villa keep an eye on for future windows, but as it stands, there is not a lot to be gained by pursuing what could be an expensive move for Torres this summer.
