Fiorentina are hoping to seal a deal for Lucas Torreira before Easter with Premier League giants Arsenal negotiating a permanent transfer with the Serie A club, as reported by La Nazione.
Any hopes that Arsenal may have had of using Torreira as a makeweight in the Dusan Vlahovic deal went up in smoke when one of Europe’s most coveted footballers completed a £63 million move to Juventus in January.
But, just because a player-plus-cash swap deal is now off the cards, that does not mean Arsenal and Fiorentina won’t be shaking hands over the coming weeks.
“Arsenal are a bit angry because they wanted Vlahovic,” explains Pablo Bentancur, Torreira’s agent.
“(But) Lucas is happy in Florence and I think they will sign him. He is one of the fans’ most-loved players.
“Fiorentina logically want to buy him because he is playing very well. He has returned to having impressive form and dynamism.”
Is Lucas Torreira leaving Arsenal for good?
Arsenal have agreed a fee in the region of £13 million with La Viola.
As part of the agreement, however, Fiorentina must trigger the option-to-buy clause in Torreira’s contract before the summer transfer window begins, with a deadline seemingly set at Easter. Or, if you prefer, April 17th.
Fiorentina are still hoping that Arsenal will accept a knock-down fee for the Uruguay international. But the Gunners hold all the cards, especially after Viola director Daniele Prade showed his hand a couple of weeks ago.
“You know my thoughts very well,” Prade admitted.
“We’re delighted with Lucas. We will speak in March or April with Arsenal, a club with whom we have a great relationship.”
Torreira has reportedly agreed a four-year deal with Fiorentina already.
The tireless, tenacious little midfielder is playing arguably his best football since his debut season at the Emirates Stadium, revitalised under a manager willing to hand him a central role in his plans.
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