Report: Manager instructs club to sign £75k-a-week Arsenal man, would take pay cut to go

Follow us on Google Discover

Maurizio Sarri has instructed the Lazio hierarchy to sign wantaway Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira this summer, according to Calciomercato.

The former Chelsea manager has taken charge at the Stadio Olimpico after a year out of the game. And he is wasting no time stamping his mark on the Biancocelesti ranks, with West Ham winger Felipe Anderson set to sign a four-year contract, per Corriere dello Sport.

Sarri seemingly hopes to build on the Brazilian’s arrival with a deal for Lazio to sign Arsenal outcast Torreira. The Uruguayan has returned to north London after a year on loan with La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, but is in the sights of many clubs for a summer transfer.

Yet Sarri requesting Lazio sign Arsenal midfielder Torreira has given the Rome outfit an advantage over Serie A rivals Fiorentina. The Italian tactician believes the £75,000-per-week enforcer would be the ideal director for his engine room next season.

And Sarri’s blessing has moved the Biancocelesti above La Viola in the race to do a deal with the Gunners. But Lazio may yet still have to contend with competition from Russian Premier Liga side Krasnodar. Although Championat note Torreira has concerns over a move.

Italian publication Corriere dello Sport gave Sarri another boost a few weeks ago, as well, as they believe Torreira would accept a pay cut to quit Arsenal for Lazio. The Rome outfit will only table a £50k-p/w contract for the 25-year-old, and the Gunners also want £17m.

Torreira edges closer to Lazio with Sarri blessing move for Arsenal outcast

Sarri giving Sporting Director Igli Tare the go-ahead to sign Torreira may now see Lazio move closer to Arsenal’s valuation. It is likely the final hurdle between the 31-cap ace, who La Repubblica claim his agent offered to AC Milan, moving to Rome or waiting in north London.

Torreira clearly does not believe his future is at Arsenal as he’s willing to accept lesser terms to join Lazio. It’s a shame for the midfielder that things did not work out as planned when signed for £26m in 2018.

His early performances at the Emirates Stadium were mightily impressive. Martin Keown even hailed them as ‘the best all-round midfield display’ he’d seen since Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva in his column for the Daily Mail. But Torreira could not keep up that standard and will hope a move to the Stadio Olimpico sees them return.