Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres says he is proud that his performances have brought him to the attention of some big-name European teams.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea in recent months, but the defender is adamant that, while he is flattered by the rumours, he is not actively looking to move clubs:

“It’s a pride to see that your work is reflected in these kind of things that are talked about. But I face it with a lot of calm, I’m in a great club like Villarreal, and from the tranquility, I work every day. I’m not thinking about (leaving) either, there’s still a long way to go and my short-term objectives are the European semi-final and then to be available for the national team.”

Torres is believed to have a €65m (£56.5m) release clause which could hasten the defender’s departure from the Yellow Submarines in the summer. However, that would be a sizeable outlay for the Gunners, in particular, who will need to sell before making signings when the transfer window opens.

A new centre-half is expected to be on the agenda, with David Luiz likely to leave when his contract expires in June, but it remains to be seen who Arsenal will make their number one target.

Torres will be in action when the Gunners face Villarreal on Thursday evening, with supporters hoping that he will have one of his rare off nights.