Barcelona has declined an initial offer of approximately €40 million ($46m) from Paris Saint-Germain for Ferran Torres, as confirmed by a source to ESPN.
The 26-year-old Torres informed Barça last week of his wish to join the European champions, having already agreed on personal terms.
Although his contract at Camp Nou runs until 2027, Barça is open to a transfer this summer but is seeking a higher transfer fee.
Negotiations between the two clubs are anticipated to continue, according to the source.
Before the UEFA Super Cup match against Aston Villa on Wednesday, PSG coach Luis Enrique refrained from commenting on the possible signing of Torres.
“I won’t address that [the question],” he stated at a news conference on Tuesday. “I only discuss the players currently at Paris Saint-Germain.”
Torres remains on holiday after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final in July, helping Spain clinch the title against Argentina for the second time in their history.
He is expected to return to training this week as Barça ramps up preparations for their LaLiga opener against Elche on Aug. 23.
In various interviews following his World Cup victory, Torres has increasingly expressed his desire to join PSG.
He urged Barça to “show me some love” if they wished to retain him, suggesting he has a preferred destination.
A source confirmed to ESPN last week that he aims to join PSG, where he would reunite with Luis Enrique, his former coach on the Spanish national team.
PSG is actively seeking a new forward after losing Gonçalo Ramos to AC Milan this summer, while Randal Kolo Muani has secured a permanent move to Juventus after a loan spell at Tottenham last season.
Ousmane Dembélé has been utilized in a central role, but Luis Enrique is eager to bolster his squad with additional options ahead of the new season.
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Torres began his career as a winger but has primarily played as a striker during the last two seasons at Barcelona.
He scored 21 goals in 49 appearances last season, following up a tally of 19 goals in 45 matches the previous year.
The potential departure of the former Manchester City player would accelerate Barça’s quest for a new striker after Robert Lewandowski transferred to Chicago Fire.
ESPN has previously reported that Julián Álvarez is the top target for the club, although Atlético Madrid‘s reluctance to let him go could compel them to consider other alternatives.
Álvarez returned to training this week after his World Cup involvement, with reports indicating he will once again request Atlético to permit his move to Barça.
During the World Cup, he expressed to ESPN that “a transfer would benefit all parties” and that he hopes Atlético will allow him to “realize his dream.”
Barça previously submitted a bid of around €100m for Álvarez earlier this summer, but Atlético turned it down, maintaining their stance against letting him leave.