According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Aston Villa are plotting a €50 million bid to sign Spanish forward from Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Unai Emery rates the former Manchester City winger highly and knows him well.
The opportunity to join the West Midlands club could be an appealing one for Torres. He is not a key player at Barcelona and needs regular playing time at this stage of his career. Villa would be able to provide him with that opportunity, and he could form a lethal partnership with Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa competed in the UEFA Champions League last season and are aiming to establish themselves as regulars in European football. They need quality additions, and another attacker would be ideal. The team has been overly dependent on Watkins, who needs more support in the final third.
The Spanish international has prior Premier League experience with Manchester City and is familiar with the league. He could make an instant impact if he joins Villa this summer. However, it remains to be seen whether the Midlands club are prepared to pay €50 million for him. It is a substantial amount, and they will need to strengthen other areas of the squad as well.
Torres had 26 goal contributions last season and will be eager to make his mark in English football again if he joins Villa. During his time at Manchester City, he never quite managed to showcase his full potential. However, he is now at the peak of his career and will be looking to establish himself as a key player for Aston Villa.
It is fair to assume that Barcelona are likely to sanction his departure if a substantial offer is made. He is not a crucial part of their plans, and given their financial difficulties, they could use the €50 million from his sale to strengthen other areas of their squad.
Barcelona has been linked with Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. Selling some of their players could help raise the funds to get those deals done.
