Arsenal have agreed terms for a deal for Sampdoria’s midfielder Lucas Torreira and a move is nearly completed, according to SampNews24.
The Italian football website reports that Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign the 22-year-old – who stands at 5’5″ (source: Transfermarkt) – and are ready to meet the release clause of £22 million in order to bring him to the Emirates, but that the fees demanded by his agent are slowing the process in one final hurdle.
One of boss Unai Emery’s top transfer priorities this season is to increase the depth in the Gunners’ midfield, and are keen to bring the Uruguay international in from a club who finished 10th in Serie A last season before the start of the World Cup next week.
Good move for Arsenal?
With Arsenal’s midfield in need of some serious strengthening, the Uruguayan youngster could provide the answers to the club’s problems in this area.
Operating as a defensive midfielder, Torreira would provide stability to a defence which has attracted two new signings this summer.
Emery needs to improve upon Arsenal’s performance in the 2017/2018 campaign, so the signing of the Sampdoria man would prove wise for a side that need to challenge the likes of Manchester City next season.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
With Arsenal happy to meet the release clause of £22 million, it appears that a move for the midfielder is likely to be completed in this transfer window.
At 22, Torreira is still young, but a place in the Arsenal side will provide him with the experience he needs at a top level club, in order to become a well established midfield player.
The proof will be in the pudding for Arsenal, who need to show their willingness by triggering the player’s release clause.
This Futbol rating: 7.5/10