Chelsea are reportedly one of numerous clubs interested in Villarreal’s Pau Torres.
Torres, 25, has grown into one of the outstanding defenders playing in the Spanish La Liga.
The left-footed centre-back has come through the academy system at Villarreal, reaching 150 senior appearances for them before the World Cup break.
He’s travelled to Qatar for the World Cup as part of a strong 26-man squad, which doesn’t include the likes of Sergio Ramos, Thiago Alcantara or Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Torres, who’s entering the final 18 months of his Villarreal contract, is now being linked with a host of top sides.
Described in the past as “amazing” by Unai Emery, it’s clear to see why there’s a lot of interest around him as a ball-playing defender.
Chelsea interested in Pau Torres
According to 90min, Villarreal may be ready to sell Torres in the upcoming January transfer window.
It is understood that the Spaniards will want upwards of £40million for him, though.
The report states that Chelsea have been keeping tabs on him. Manchester United admire him but are not in the market right now for a centre-back.
Elsewhere, 90min states there’s Premier League interest from Aston Villa, Tottenham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.
Finally, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan like Villarreal’s key defender.
Fabrizio Romano previously claimed that Chelsea looked at signing Torres in the summer, but were put off by a £40million valuation.
Therefore, it’s interesting to see if anything has changed by the time the New Year comes around.
If he can shine during the World Cup tournament, you can predict the noise around his name will grow even louder.
Chelsea did make marquee signings in defence in the summer with Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly, but many supporters will argue the club needs another top centre-half through the doors.
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