Arsenal have been handed a big boost in their attempts to sell Lucas Torreira, it seems.
The Uruguay international is heavily linked with a move away from North London and Atletico Madrid looked most likely to sign him on loan.
But Sky Sports’ journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Torino are back in the fold – and they’re willing to sign him on a permanent basis.
Sheth claimed that a £22 million exit is in the offing and that Arsenal are ‘very keen’ on that arrangement due to the added strength it gives their budget to improve other areas of the squad.
He added that the Serie A outfit have a big advantage in the form of head coach Marco Giampaolo, whom Torreira played under at Sampdoria.
He told Sky Sports’ Transfer Show on 23/09, broadcast at 5pm: “There have been developments on midfielder Lucas Torreira. We told you yesterday that Atletico Madrid were in talks over a loan deal, but it’s thought now that Torino are still interested as well despite the club’s director on Sunday saying that midfield is no longer a priority.
“What puts Torino at an advantage is that their current head coach Marco Giampaolo actually managed Torreira at Sampdoria – that’s where the interest remains as Giampaolo still wants to pursue a deal. It would be a permanent deal worth around £22m and Arsenal are very keen to do a deal like that so they’ve got funds to target other areas in their squad.”
It could be massive for Arsenal if they pick up £22 million for the South American.
That’s because the Gunners are reportedly tracking Houssem Aouar and Thomas Partey and although bringing both to the Emirates looks unlikely at this stage in the game, with only 12 days to go in the transfer window, picking up a fee of that magnitude would definitely help them sign one of the two.
Atletico are reportedly looking for £45 million for Partey, while Lyon star Aouar is valuaed at £54 million.
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