‘We promise’: Player’s father open to Arsenal stay next year but on one condition

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Lucas Torreira sealed a loan move to Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day. The Uruguayan was an instant hit at the Emirates after his move from Sampdoria in 2018, but he dropped down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.

Thomas Partey’s move to the Emirates meant that Torreira’s chances of regular game time had reduced even more. That forced him to look for an opportunity elsewhere, and Diego Simeone’s side were more than happy to take him.

Lucas’s dad, Ricardo Torreira, spoke to Libertad Digital about his son’s future. He claimed the midfielder is open to a staying at Arsenal next summer, but only if Arteta and the club want him.

Torreira open to Arsenal stay after Atleti loan

He said: “Lucas has a huge heart and puts a lot of effort into everything he does. That is why he is not one of the players who likes to be on the bench waiting for minutes. He needs to show on the field what he can give. Lucas is honest and wants to leave his soul on the field, but that is defined by the coaches, and for the current Arsenal manager, it did not count.

“Arsenal decided that he would not get minutes, but we promise, god willing, if everything goes well and if there is a coach at Arsenal who loves him when his contract with Atlético ends, we will leave his soul there again if they want him.”

Torreira still has three years left on his Arsenal contract. The 24-year-old is a solid player and, with regular game time, he can show Arteta that he is good enough to play regularly at the Emirates.

The former Sampdoria man clearly wouldn’t mind staying at Arsenal next season if he is guaranteed opportunities. Arteta was hesitant to use Torreira when he was fit at Arsenal and, with the arrival of Partey, the need for the Uruguayan reduces further.

However, if he has an incredible season with Atleti, Arteta might change his mind and keep hold of him. Matteo Guendouzi’s Arsenal career seems to be at a point of no return, while Dani Ceballos will have to return to Real Madrid at the end of his loan spell.

A spot in the middle of the park could open up next summer so, if Torreira has good year under Simeone at Madrid, he could well be a regular for Arsenal next season.