Sources: Arsenal monitoring Ferran Torres' situation after Vini Jr transfer blow | OneFootball

Arsenal have started work on looking for alternatives to Vinicius Junior, and I’m told that one name they’re keen on is Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.

With Vini Jr now confirmed as signing a new contract with Real Madrid, it’s crucial for Arsenal to find another forward who can add something different to their attack next season.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Torres at the moment, with the Spain international considering his options after struggling to establish himself as an automatic starter for Barcelona.

As has been widely reported, my understanding is that this has led to quite advanced talks between Torres’ representatives and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, this is far from a done deal yet, and that could allow other clubs back in.

Arsenal look into potential Ferran Torres transfer

While PSG are understood to be leading the race for Torres, there are still a few different ways this saga could play out.

“Barcelona have asked Ferran to delay a decision – they’d prefer him to stay,” one source said. “As of now, he hasn’t accepted any offer from PSG, but they’ve established themselves as favourites if he does decide to move.”

From others, I must admit to getting slightly mixed messages. Two separate sources told me that Arsenal have reached out to Torres’ representatives as well to ask to be kept informed on his movement this summer.

Others, however, say it’s more the case that Arsenal have internally discussed the former Manchester City forward and are keeping an eye on his situation from afar.

These sources also mentioned interest from Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, so the specific link with Arsenal isn’t as strong.

Arsenal’s Plan B after Vini Jr blow

Torres could be a fine option to come in and give Mikel Arteta an alternative to Vinicius, with the World Cup winner able to play up front or out wide to good effect.

Even if he’s not nearly in the same bracket as Vini, he’s still a top player who could strengthen a number of top clubs, as evidenced by the fact that so many seem to be keen on him.

Barcelona also recognise his value, though, so it will be interesting to see if they can persuade him to stay.

Arsenal are also likely to have a few names on their list after missing out on Vinicius.

The Gunners are surely smart enough to know that a deal for the Brazil international was always going to be hugely ambitious, so they won’t have pursued it without having a Plan B in mind.

Torres could be one name they consider, but there have also been links to other high-profile players like Julian Alvarez and Bradley Barcola this summer.