Transfer: How Xavi blocked Arsenal’s move for Barcelona forward

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, blocked Arsenal from signing Ferran Torres before the summer transfer window closed, El Nacional reports.

The Gunners made an ambitious attempt to sign the forward, as Mikel Arteta tried to add to his attacking options.

Torres only moved to Camp Nou from Manchester City in January for around €55 million.

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

Raphinha ironically almost signed for the Premier League side before Barca came calling.

Arsenal failed to convince the Catalan side to let Torres go despite offering to pay €30m, because Xavi insisted they turn down the approach.