Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has made it clear he wants to continue with the Catalan club amid mounting speculation linking him with an exit.
Barca are reportedly eager to find a way to offload the former Manchester City star this summer in a bid to balance their books.
The Catalan giants are willing to loan him out due to the lack of substantial offers from the suitors.
Aston Villa and Villarreal have been credited as interested parties for the Spaniard, who is contracted to the Blaugrana until 2027.
However, the 23-year-old has emphasised that he is not pondering an exit and wants to fight for a place in the team.
“The names are put by the journalists – I have a contract here, I’m going to stay,” said Torres (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“I’m clear – I’m qualified to play for Barca. What they say about me doesn’t matter to me.
“I have to be calm with myself – work like the one who works the most because, in the end, the reward comes.”
Torres moved to Camp Nou last year at the request of Xavi, but he has failed to hit form.
Questions were raised over his €55 million price tag, and his lack of form also saw him fall down the pecking order.
The former Valencia star bagged only four goals and two assists in 33 appearances in La Liga last season, out of which only 14 were starts.
Ansu Fati is another player Barca deem surplus to requirements, but he is also inclined towards succeeding with the Spanish giants.
Torres had a good outing in the recent friendly against Arsenal, scoring a goal despite Barca losing the game 5-3.
With Barca no longer prioritising attacking reinforcements, Torres will be of great value to Xavi heading into the new season.
The Los Che academy graduate can play in several attacking positions. His presence in the squad will keep the depth of the attack intact.
