Arsenal are making preparations to land Villarreal defender Pau Torres and have asked Santi Cazorla to help with the move.
A report in English tabloid newspaper The Sun claims that the player is already learning English in preparation for a possible move to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has started 25 of the Yellow Submarine’s games to date this campaign and made his debut for the Spanish national team in November – replacing Sergio Ramos in the 7-0 win over Malta, when he also netted.
It appears increasingly likely that Torres will depart Villarreal, with a recent report in Diario Sport even claiming that Barcelona had already opened up negotiations for a move.
A report from November in The Sun claimed Torres has been identified by Arsenal, subsequent reports in the Daily Telegraph and ESPN spoke of interest from Manchester City – who are short of numbers in the position.
Torres broke onto the scene last season when he starred on a loan spell at second tier Malaga, where he made 40 appearances, and has now impressed in Villarreal’s back four.
It is claimed Torres has a €50m release clause at Villarreal, where he is under contract until 2023, but his price may be negotiated beneath that value.