Football

Europe’s Elite Sides Eager to Sign Villareal Star in Summer

Europe’s Elite Sides Eager to Sign Villareal Star in Summer
Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal CF celebrating his goal with his teammates during the Copa del Rey match between Villarreal FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de la Ceramica on January 19, 2023 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Icon Sport)

According to reports, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer.

The future of the 26-year-old has been the subject of rumors for the last several transfer windows, with Manchester United widely linked to his services last year.

The Red Devils were reportedly close to acquiring the Spanish international until incoming head coach Erik ten Hag put the brakes on the deal in order to focus on signing Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.

Spurs were also rumored to be close to signing Torres in the summer of 2021, but the center-back opted to remain at Villarreal so he could play in the Champions League.

Torres Refuses to Comment on Speculated Summer Moves

“Right now there is nothing at all, there is talk of many things like every year, I have peace of mind of being where they want me, at the club of my life and I have this offer right now that I value as very positive,” AS cited Torres as saying at the time.

“There is nothing right now, the only thing I have is the offer from Villarreal, so I am very calm.”

Torres later told The Guardian: “The pull of playing the Champions League with the team from my town was bigger. I was clear from the start.

The Spaniard has again been a crucial player for the Yellow Submarine throughout the 2022-23 season, appearing 24 times in all competitions.

Nevertheless, the Yellow Submarine have an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League next season, as they are now ninth in La Liga.

According to Fichajes, Villarreal are willing to sell Torres during the summer transfer window, with a price tag of €50 million (£44.3 million).

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing the defender too, whose contract has entered the final 18 months, putting Quique Setien’s club in a weak position ahead of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Looking for Torres Boost

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Meanwhile, Tottenham are thought to be looking to renew their interest, but Antonio Conte’s side are expected to face opposition from North London rivals Arsenal.

Spurs badly need to strengthen their depth in the center back position if they are to really commit and have success with Conte’s defensive style of playing. Ben Davies and Eric Dier have faced much criticism this season as their form has been up and down in the position.

Neither player are natural center backs. Davies has spent most of his career at left fullback while Dier Originally played as a holding midfielder for Spurs and England. If Tottenham can sign Torres then he would offer a major boost to partner Clement Lenglet and Cristian Romero at the heart of the defense.

Torres came through the youth system at Villarreal, moving through the various age groups and even representing Villarreal B before making his first-team debut in 2017.

The Spaniard has made 158 appearances for his current team in all competitions, contributing 11 goals and five assists.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Juventus are also said to be keeping a close eye on Torres’s status ahead of the summer transfer market.

 


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