The north London rivals don’t agree on much. But right now, they’ve got their eyes on the same target: Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.
According to Diario Sport, both Arsenal and Tottenham are giving serious consideration to tabling offers for the Spain international this summer. And with Barcelona facing a financial headache over his contract, the door is wide open.
So, could Torres be heading back to the Premier League?
Why Barcelona Are Ready to Let Torres Go
Here’s where it gets interesting. Torres isn’t some fringe player being pushed out. He scored 16 La Liga goals in 33 appearances last season and added three more in the Champions League. He was joint-top scorer at Barcelona alongside Lamine Yamal.
Oh, and he scored the winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final.
That 106th-minute strike against Argentina in East Rutherford sealed Spain’s second World Cup title. Not bad for a player who’d been criticized throughout the tournament for not starting.
After the final, Torres told ESPN: “A huge relief. I’ve been criticized throughout the whole tournament but, as I said before, destiny was written.”
So why would Barcelona sell him? Money. It’s always money.
According to The Athletic, a clause in Torres’ original 2022 transfer from Manchester City means Barcelona would owe City around €7-8 million if they extend his current deal. That would push the total cost of signing Torres to roughly €73 million.
With La Liga’s financial fair play rules breathing down their necks and new signings like Karim Adeyemi arriving, Barcelona would rather sell now than pay that fee or risk losing him for free in 2027.
Reports suggest he’s available for around €35 million. That’s a bargain for a World Cup-winning forward who’s only 26.
What Torres Would Bring to Arsenal or Spurs
Torres already knows the Premier League. He spent time at Manchester City before joining Barcelona, so there’s no adaptation period to worry about. He understands the pace, the physicality, the intensity.
His versatility is a major draw. He can play as a central striker or operate on either wing. For Arsenal, that kind of flexibility would give Mikel Arteta options across his front line, competing with the likes of new signing Christos Tzolis.
For Tottenham, the appeal is different but equally strong. Roberto De Zerbi wants technically gifted attackers who can play across the forward positions. Torres fits that profile.
Here’s what the numbers say about his 2025-26 season:
- 49 appearances across all competitions
- 21 goals and 3 assists for Barcelona
- Joint-top La Liga scorer at the club with 16 goals
- World Cup-winning goal for Spain vs Argentina
Arsenal, fresh off their first Premier League title in 22 years, aren’t sitting still. They’ve already been active with several signings and are reportedly close to landing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. Adding Torres would be a statement of intent.
Tottenham, meanwhile, need attacking reinforcements after deciding against making Randal Kolo Muani’s loan permanent. Torres fills a genuine gap in their squad.
The Clock Is Ticking
Torres is expected to make his final decision in the coming days after returning from his post-World Cup break. Multiple clubs are circling. PSG have been monitoring him for weeks. Atletico Madrid remain interested. Even Aston Villa reportedly tabled a €50 million bid.
But the Premier League connection gives Arsenal and Spurs an edge. Torres has unfinished business in England, and both clubs can offer Champions League football and a genuine project to be part of.
Don’t be surprised if this one moves fast. Barcelona want to sell before September to avoid triggering that Man City clause. Torres wants clarity on his future. And both north London clubs need a forward who can deliver when it matters most.
Few players proved that more convincingly than Torres did in the biggest match on the planet just two weeks ago.
