Pau Torres is one of the players linked to Tottenham Hotspur as the north London club eyes to improve their backline ahead of a busy 2022-23 season that will include UEFA Champions League football.
Spurs already have Cristian Romero and Eric Dier, so manager Antonio Conte is looking for another central defender to join his backline of three this summer. Marca relayed the remarks of Villarreal CEO Fernando Roig, who states their preference to keep Torres, but it seems that will be unlikely.
“We would love for Torres, who started his career here, to end it at Villarreal, ” Roig said. “He is among the best ten defenders in the world for sure, although I would go further and say he is in the top five.”
“I wish someone born here would remain at the club the rest of his life. But the reality in football is different, and there are teams that are very powerful. We shall see what happens, but we would have no issue with him staying here the rest of his career.”
The Spanish defender is under contract until 2024 and has been offered an extension. Nonetheless, The Yellow Submarine could look to secure a significant fee for the player considering the amount of interest in the 25-year-old.
Along with Spurs, other Premier League clubs eyeing Torres, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United are keen on the defender. Last season, the Villarreal man appeared in 47 fixtures, scoring six goals and recording one assist.
This is the centre back we should be going for. Lo Celso would be a good bargaining chip and so we could get him without a huge outlay.