Aston Villa are advancing in talks to sign centre-back Pau Torres from Spanish side Villarreal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The deal is not yet completed but is rumoured to be in the final stages as negotiations are accelerating. The clubs are reportedly very close to reaching an agreement.
The transfer fee is rumoured to be around £55 million. The player has already agreed personal terms with Villa. He only has a year remaining on his current contract.
Torres is reportedly excited about the club’s future and long-term plans under current ownership and under the stewardship of the manager he knows very well.
Unai Emery is said to be a key figure in Villa’s pursuit of Torres. The Spaniard managed his fellow countryman in his time at Villarreal and is now pushing to bring him to Villa Park.
Bayern Munich were also said to be interested in Torres but they have been focused on finalising a deal for Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae.
Bayern wanted Torres along with Kim as they wanted a left-footed centre-back to replace Lucas Hernandez, who is on his way to the French capital. But they seemed to have missed out on the Spaniard rather uncharacteristically.
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Tottenham and Man United have been linked to Torres for the longest time as both clubs have scouted the player in the past as well. But it looks like it’s Emery who has convinced the player to join the Claret and Blues.
The 26-year-old made 34 appearances for his club in last season’s La Liga and helped the team keep 11 clean sheets. He was a key part of the Villarreal squad that won the club’s first ever European trophy when they lifted the Europa League in the 2021/22 season under Unai Emery.
The Spanish international has made 173 appearances for his club and has also earned 23 caps for the Spanish National Team. He has been at Villarreal since he was 5 years old.
Torres is a gifted left-footed, left-sided centre-back. He could partner Tyrone Mings or Ezri Konsa and provide more balance to the team’s backline as he brings completely different qualities when compared to any current centre-backs at Villa.
Villa have been able to go for the Spaniard for what seems to be a cut price due to his contract situation. Torres would cost a lot more money if he had a longer contract tying him up to Villarreal. This signing showcases the club’s intent for the future.
