Premier League giants Arsenal have agreed to sell Lucas Torreira for £12 million but the midfielder’s wages are holding up his permanent move to Serie A outfit Fiorentina, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
With Thomas Partey out of action once again, Mikel Arteta certainly could have done with Torreira’s tenacity and never-say-die spirit as Arsenal imploded during Thursday’s North London derby, their 3-0 defeat to a Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham Hotspur leaving their Champions League hopes hanging in the air with just two games remaining.
The all-action Uruguayan has been a man reborn since returning to Italy last summer.
Torreira has even scored five goals for La Viola, more than he managed during 89 games in Arsenal colours.
“I remember that some time ago, I advised (Fiorentina director Daniele) Prade to sign Torreira,” says David Pizarro, the former Roma and Manchester City and Viola star.
“I was sure he would be ideal for Fiorentina. He is a modern player. I hope he will stay in Florence.
“I like Torreira a lot. He is having a great season after not being able to express himself at his best in the last few years. He is returning to the levels seen at Sampdoria (the club he represented before his £26 million move to Arsenal after the 2018 World Cup).”
Arsenal could sell Lucas Torreira to Fiorentina
Thanks to an option-to-buy clause in Torreira’s contract, Fiorentina have already agreed a fee in the region of £12 million to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis. Reaching personal terms, however, are proving to be an altogether different challenge.
Torreira earns £65,000-a-week at Arsenal. A sum that Fiorentina will struggle to match.
Vincenzo Italiano’s high-flying side have floated the idea of Torreira taking a pay cut at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but, according to Tuttomercatoweb, the diminutive ball-winner was not exactly keen on that idea.
What’s more, Fiorentina are also yet to reach an agreement over the comission fee that will be paid to Torreira’s agent, Pablo Bentancur.
“Lucas is happy in Florence and I think they will sign him,” explains Bentancur, adding that Arsenal were ‘angry’ after missing out on a deal that would have seen Dusan Vlahovic move to the Emirates in exchange.
“(Torreira) 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.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
