Arsenal are planning to make a move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the January transfer window, according to the Sun. The newspaper reports that the 22-year-old is being targeted as the Gunners look to resolve their problems at the back.

Unai Emery already has four senior centre-backs in the squad, including David Luiz, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding, in addition to Calum Chambers, but the Arsenal manager is keenly aware that the team’s defensive failings could cost the team a top-four finish.

Torres won’t come cheap, though, with the Spanish international having a €50m (£43m) release clause which will likely need to be triggered for the transfer to go ahead.

However, the Gunners’ finances will make any deal complicated, with Head of Football Operations Raul Sanllehi likely to try the same tactic used when signing Nicolas Pepe, by paying the fee in a number of instalments.

Torres is a rising star, having scored on his debut for Spain after coming on as a substitute in their 7-0 win over Malta on Friday night.