Arsenal looking into future deal for Spanish centre-back

Arsenal are reportedly leading the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in the race to sign defender Pau Torres from Spanish cub Villarreal.

The 22-year-old has come through the youth ranks at the La Liga outfit and he has become a key player this term following a successful loan stint with Malaga.

As such, Torres has recently penned a fresh five-year deal with the Yellow Submarine and the club are said to have inserted a release clause which has caught the eye of the Gunners.

According to Marca, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have been keeping a close eye on the central defender but the former are said to hold the edge in the player's pursuit.

Torres' present deal is said to include a release clause between £44m and £65m but the Gunners are optimistic that they can land the defender for a lesser value.

Arsenal have multiple options to operate at the heart of the defence but manager Unai Emery has gone with David Luiz and Sokratis for the league duties this term.

Calum Chambers, Rob Holding and Shkodran Mustafi can also feature in the central defensive role but the latter has been widely fancied to leave the club in the New Year.

The north London giants will be boosted by the arrival of William Saliba from Saint-Etienne next summer but they are still said to be interested in another young centre-back, who can provide competition.