Arsenal misfit on verge of departure as Torino close in on €24m deal

Arsenal are close to agreeing the sale of Lucas Torreira to Torino for a fee of €24m, according to reports.

Torreira’s second season with Arsenal did not go as smoothly as his first, with the midfielder making 39 appearances in all competitions. That was 11 fewer than the previous campaign.

A position change under Unai Emery did not help his cause, before he fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta.

In a further blow to his chances of a long-term future at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta left him out of the squad for Arsenal’s first game of the season.

Arsenal are now looking to reinforce their midfield before the transfer window closes. Thomas Partey is their top target to revitalise the position, while they have also spoken about Houssem Aouar.

To fund either move, Arsenal will need to get some players off the books. Torreira is one of those who could leave to make room in midfield.

The Uruguay international is in demand back in Italy, where he spent the rest of his professional career before joining Arsenal in 2018.

Marco Giampaolo, who used to manage Torreira at Sampdoria, is hoping to reunite with the midfielder at Torino. And that potential move has taken a step forward.

According to Calciomercato and Tuttosport, Torino are close to agreeing a deal for Torreira. They are offering to take him on loan for €12m with an obligation to buy for a further €12m next summer.

That would represent a small loss for Arsenal, who paid more than €28m for the player two years ago.

Torino beat competition for Torreira

With both clubs seemingly happy with the formula of the deal, Torino seem to have won the race for the 24-year-old.

Fiorentina had also shown an interest in Torreira, while Roma were linked with offering a swap deal that would have sent Amadou Diawara to Arsenal.

However, Torino have managed to sneak ahead of the competition for Torreira.

His sale should help give Arsenal the cash injection they need to be able to pursue other targets like Thomas Partey.