Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Latest on Antonio Sanabria and Fernando Torres

Arsene Wenger has yet to follow through on his promise to spend big this summer, but Arsenal are inching ever closer to making it a reality.

While Sky Sports has reported that a deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is imminent—along with several other sources indicating the deal is nearly done—the Gunners have yet to secure his signature. As such, they need to continue making a push to obtain top talent on the transfer market.

That pursuit may also include raiding another La Liga club.

According to Tom Hopkinson of the Mirror, Arsenal are targeting Barcelona 17-year-old Antonio Sanabria—a player who has shown tremendous potential in his young career, especially in Under-20 World Cup competition:

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Arsenal are trying to snatch another Barcelona starlet - Paraguayan kid Antonio Sanabria.

The 17-year-old, known as Tonny, is one of the jewels in Barca's youth set-up and he further enhanced his reputation with some fine displays at the Under-20 World Cup.

The Catalan giants are keen to hang on to the youngster but the Gunners are ready to battle it out for his signature.

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With a few years of development still ahead of him, Sanabria probably wouldn’t be the high-impact signing fans are pandering for this summer. But Arsenal may have another target in mind to please the masses.

As reported by Dean Jones and Dave Kidd of the Mirror, Wenger has his eye on Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, who, according to the report, could be readily available as new manager Jose Mourinho is ready to let him leave:

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to bring Fernando Torres to the Emirates.

And Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is ready to let the Spaniard leave.

The shock Gunners move comes as Blues insiders claim Mourinho considers only FIVE of the Chelsea squad are certain starters for the new season.

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Swooping in to acquire Torres—potentially at a bargain rate—would be a tremendous coup for the Gunners as they attempt to reload following a top-four finish last term. Should all the pieces fall into place, Higuain and Torres would make a formidable duo to carry into EPL play next season.

An Added Bonus?

Provided the reports are accurate, it wouldn’t be a massive shock for Arsenal to move into position for Torres. What would be a shock, however, is the addition of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

But according to Simon Mullock of the Mirror, Arsenal are in fact pursuing the 27-year-old striker, reportedly already having offered £20 million to obtain his services:

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Arsenal have made a £20million bid for Wayne Rooney.

The Gunners have fired the first shots in a bidding war that is sure to spark a ­response from ­Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho has Rooney at the top of his ­Chelsea wish-list, and is ­expected to make a ­counter-bid in an effort to beat Arsene Wenger to the 27-year-old’s signature.

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But Mullock also notes that United are unwilling to sell the striker, and that comes as little surprise given Bates’ recent report that Rooney is willing to sign an extension with the Red Devils as long as they are willing to pay him no less than his current rate.

Still, Arsenal are showing welcomed aggression in pursuing some big targets this summer ahead of the transfer period. Even if Rooney isn’t in the cards, the Gunners have put themselves in terrific position to acquire at least one big name to aid in their championship efforts next term.