Lucas Torreira’s agent Pablo Bentancur has confirmed that Serie A side Napoli were keen on signing the Arsenal midfielder over the summer.
Speaking to CalcioNapoli24, Bentancur confirmed that the Uruguayan international was approached by the Italian giants over the transfer window.
Torreira was eager to leave Arsenal during the summer, with the 25-year-old not a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans. Moreover, Thomas Partey signed for the club in 2020 on deadline day, with Albert Sambi Lokonga joining the midfield union this year.
The £75,000-a-week midfielder spent last season with Atletico Madrid where Torreira was unable to make much of an impression under Diego Simeone. The former Sampdoria star was able to secure a summer move, though.
Torreira returned to Italy to sign for AFC Fiorentina for the season on loan. However, according to the player’s agent, Napoli, who are currently top of the Serie A table, were in the conversation to sign the midfielder.
Torreira was in talks with Napoli, says agent
Bentancur said: “Yes, they were, as well as other clubs. However, we wanted a project and we knew Daniele Prade from our time at Sampdoria. They made Torreira feel immediately important in their proposal.”
Indeed, whilst Napoli would have been a big step up relatively speaking for Torreira, it appears that both the player and agent agree that heading to Fiorentina was the right decision.
The midfielder has regularly been in the starting XI for Vincenzo Italiano’s side this season. And la Viola are enjoying a strong start to the campaign, with Fiorentina in the top-six as things stand.
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