Ferran Suddenly in Demand. Barça Left with One Striker and a Problem

Barcelona spent years trying to convince everyone that Ferran Torres was a centre-forward. Now the club finally believes it — mainly because he is the only striker left in the squad. Selling him is therefore out of the question. At least until an offer arrives that makes Barça suddenly decide to “assess the situation”.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Tottenham and Arsenal have both enquired about the 26-year-old, while PSG had already shown interest. Spurs will not play in Europe, but they can offer more money. Arsenal are exploring other attacking options after failing to sign Vinícius Júnior. Ferran has gone from being the player many Barça fans wanted on the bench to someone who could soon spark a bidding war across Europe.

Matteo Moretto says “The Shark” is still more likely to stay, but Barcelona have a slight problem: his contract expires next year, while the club reportedly wants to wait until September before offering him an extension to avoid exceeding the salary limit. Barça want to keep their only striker — they just need the regulations to let them pay him first.

The two weeks following Ferran’s return from holiday are expected to be decisive. In six months, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs without Barcelona’s permission. Deco must now convince him to stay at a club where he is indispensable — at least until they sign someone else and put him back on the bench.