‘Not a priority’: Director says he doesn’t want £18m Arsenal man

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Torino won’t be coming to Lucas Torreira’s rescue after the Serie A club’s sporting director ruled out a move for the £18 million-rated Arsenal player while speaking to Sky Italia in quotes translated by Football Italia.

Almost two years on from a mesmerising midfield performance in a 4-2 derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, a man who looked like the answer to all Arsenal’s problems can’t even get in the matchday squad these days.

Torreira in many ways epitomises the relentless ‘false dawns’ associated with the north London side.

After falling out of favour since Mikel Arteta replaced Unai Emery in the Emirates dugout, there’s a growing fear the Uruguay international will end up in limbo.

The Guardian reports Arsenal are willing to take an £8 million hit on a man they signed for £26 million after the 2018 World Cup.

But, despite previously expressing an interest, Torino have changed their minds about making his dream return to Italian football a reality.

“We are content with what (Tomas) Rincon is doing, so a midfielder in that role is no longer necessarily a priority for us,” said Davide Vagnati, highlighting the impressive form of a 32-year-old Venezuelan in Torreira’s favoured ‘number six’ role.

Torreira was left out of Arsenal’s squad for the 2-1 win against West Ham, having also missed the recent games against Fulham and Liverpool.

There remains interest from Fiorentina, however, and with Chile international Erick Pulgar linked with a move away from the Artemio Franchi, Torreira could be wearing deep purple next season in Florence (Di Marzio).