This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Sun Arsenal are interested in Villareal's Pau Torres and could launch a bid for him in January.

What's the word?

The defender has impressed this season after returning to Villareal from a loan spell at Malaga last year, and such is his form he has received recognition from the Spain national team, making his debut against Malta a few days ago.

He may only be 22 years old and new on the scene but the Gunners may have to activate his release clause in order to secure a move, which currently stands at £43m.

It is a considerable fee but given Arsenal's troubles in defence this season with 17 goals conceded in 12 league games it may be a necessary step to take, though they could look to negotiate a smaller fee first if possible.

Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested.

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Support for Emery

The Spanish boss has overseen some expensive deals since arriving in north London, with the £72m fee paid to Lille for Nicolas Pepe the most outstanding.

That deal only occurred in the summer, too, and so this latest move would signal that he still has the trust and backing of the board, who only began to offer Arsene Wenger the same resources towards the end of his reign.

So far under Emery there hasn't been much spending on centre-backs, with David Luiz brought in over the summer for just £8m, while Sokratis Papadoupolous was brought in on a free.

Both have looked suspect this season and cost the team goals, which is perhaps why the board are willing to give Emery an opportunity to strengthen, though if Arsenal's results don't pick up with this signing then some questions could be raised.

Arsenal can ill afford any more missteps in the transfer market if they are going to qualify for the Champions League, and since they're already eight points off fourth place they will need Torres to be exactly what they're hoping for.