Barcelona shot down approach from AC Milan for €28 million-rated forward in January | OneFootball

AC Milan were one of the more active big clubs during the recently concluded winter transfer window, with the Serie A giants involved in several operations, one of which involved former Barcelona player Joao Felix.

The Portuguese forward, who spent the last season on loan at Barça, signed for the Rossoneri from Chelsea on deadline day, arriving as a replacement for Alvaro Morata, who left for Galatasaray.

However, it turns out that AC Milan had a different player – someone from Barcelona – on their minds initially to replace Morata at the club.

AC Milan made an enquiry for Ferran Torres

Indeed, according to MARCA, AC Milan initially considered Barcelona forward Ferran Torres as a potential reinforcement for their attack.

Milan made an enquiry about the 24-year-old Spanish forward, but there was no real possibility of a deal.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, firmly responded: “Ferran is not leaving Barcelona.” He did not even entertain the idea of negotiating such a move. Both the club’s management and head coach Hansi Flick holds the Spanish international in high regard.

Ferran was on Milan’s radar. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Despite not playing many minutes, Torres’ numbers are fairly impressive, especially considering he competes for a spot with three of the most in-form forwards in Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal.

It is not just his on-field performance that is valued at Barcelona. Flick also appreciates the former Manchester City star’s attitude and professionalism, despite him not featuring as regularly as he might like.

AC Milan have held an interest in Ferran for some time now. The Italians had him as an option to replace Rafael Leao in the summer should the Portuguese leave the club, but that did not come to materialise.

Meanwhile, Milan’s Italian rivals, Napoli, too asked about Ferran in January after losing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, only to be met with a firm rejection by Barcelona.

This stance was also known to other clubs such as Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, who had previously shown interest. There was a possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia, but it was also quickly dismissed.

Torres, for his part, has always maintained that he wishes to stay at Barcelona and succeed at the club.

The 24-year-old is in line to start tomorrow against his former club Valencia in Copa del Rey, and he will be aiming to add to his tally of 10 G/A this season.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.