Fiorentina general manager Joe Barone has told TMW the Serie A outfit could make a move for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira before the transfer window closes.
Just two years ago the tireless little Uruguayan was seen by many as the answer to the Gunners’ long-standing midfield problems and the heir to sweat-shedding, hard-tackling Gilberto Silva.
Torreira is no longer the toast of north London, falling down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta after struggling in a new-look number 10 role under Unai Emery.
The £27 million man played just 12 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City before spending the final on the bench.
And while Fiorentina face a race against time if they want to lure the former Sampdoria ace back to Italy, it seems Arsenal may be willing sellers as they look to raise funds for signings.
“We are evaluating all the opportunities that arise,” says Barone. “Is Torreira one of these opportunities? Let’s see. Let’s work with (sporting director Daniele) Pradè.”
It’s no secret Arsenal view Atletico Madrid’s Ghanaian powerhouse Thomas Partey as their top midfield target.
But with the Gunners struggling to afford his £40 million release clause, cashing in on Torreira feels increasingly like the only solution – unless someone is willing to take Matteo Guendouzi off their hands.
Torreira’s agent, Pablo Bentancur, admitted to TMW in May his client would “love” a return to Italy.
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