Transfer: How Xavi stopped Arsenal from acquiring a forward from Barcelona

Transfer: How Xavi stopped Arsenal from acquiring a forward from Barcelona

Before the summer transfer window closed, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez reportedly prevented Arsenal from acquiring Ferran Torres.

In an effort to expand his alternatives for attacking, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal launched a bold attempt to capture the forward.

Torres only made the €55 million transfer from Manchester City to Camp Nou in January.

However, he has found playing time hard to come by this season, with Xavi preferring Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha on the winger.

Ironically, Raphinha came close to joining the Premier League team before Barca contacted him.

Despite giving the Catalan club €30 million, Arsenal was unable to persuade them to release Torres because Xavi urged they reject the offer.