Everton and Arsenal midfield maestro target Lucas Torreira will not be available for a penny less than his £22million release clause, Sampdoria’s sporting director has confirmed.
Speaking in an interview on Rai Sport, as translated by the Liverpool Echo (11/06, 13:17), Carlo Osti made his emphatic statement about his side’s defensive midfielder, saying: “Torreira has a £22m release clause, everyone knows that, anyone who wants him will have to pay that.”
Everton, who were reported by CalcioMercato to be in the hunt, face tough competition to land Torreira, who was said to have almost joined with fellow Italian side Napoli in recent weeks, before talks broke down.
However, Arsenal are said by Sampnews24 to be nearing a deal for Torreira, as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his midfield, so Everton must move quickly.
The Uruguyuan international is on duty this Summer in Russia, and a solid performance could force Marco Silva’s hand into triggering his release clause before a rival does.
OPINION
Lucas Torreira could be an absolute steal at £22million, as this transfer market has blown up in recent years. Aged only 22, the young midfielder has already made a name for himself in Italy, with Napoli wanting to buy him. However, their loss is Everton’s game, and with them out of the way Marco Silva has an easier chance of getting to his signature. The only problem could be the World Cup, where everyone is watching. Should Torreira have a good performance, it could boost the number of teams interested in him, which is a common occurrence following the summer tournament. Everton could use some help in midfield, and the 22-year-old still has time to hone his craft in the tough Premier League division, so the Uruguyuan could fit the bill at Goodison Park; where Silva is trying to reconstruct the rocky Everton squad.