Arsenal name their price as wantaway midfielder’s wish is granted
Arsenal will accept a fee of just £15million for Lucas Torreira this summer as the midfielder pushes for a return to South America.
Torreira signed for the Gunners from Sampdoria in a €30million deal back in 2018. But despite drawing early plaudits, he failed to settle in England and departed last October. The Uruguayan has spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan with Atletico Madrid, making 22 appearances in all competitions for the Spaniards.
However, the La Liga club have no intentions of offering him a permanent deal. That’s just as well, as Torreira has made it clear his desire to move closer to his homeland. That comes after his mother tragically died after contracting Covid-19 last month.
The bereavement made him realise he no longer wants to play in Europe as he wants to be closer to his family. He has also revealed he hopes to join Argentine side Boca Juniors.
And that switch may have inched closer after it was reported Arsenal will take a loss on the 25-year-old so he can secure a transfer away.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the Gunners are sympathetic towards Torreira’s situation. Therefore, they will make him available for just £15million.
The development comes just days after Mikel Arteta claimed now “is not the moment” to make any decisions over his future.
Torreira explains Boca preference
Having spent his entire professional career in Europe, a move to Boca would see Torreira experience a very different type of football.
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But that is something Torreira seems to be relishing, insisting playing for Boca has always been an ambition.
“It’s not a crazy decision because of my mother,” he said. “I have always said that I want to play for Boca. I’m dying to play for Boca and I will always say it.
“The night my mother died, one of the first to hear the news was my agent. I don’t want to play in Europe anymore, I want to play for Boca. I want to be close to my family.
“My father, crying, told me that it was time to play for Boca. I always liked Boca, I’m yet to experience La Bombonera, it’s something that I have deep inside me and I have to indulge myself.
“Hopefully things become clear soon, I have to go back and focus on Atletico. I’m more than proud, I’m calm, my team-mates have supported me. ‘I have to be there, no matter how much it hurts, as there’s a month and a half of competition left.
“Hopefully I can end up winning La Liga.”
READ MORE: Tottenham have joined North London rivals Arsenal in the race for a €20m rated midfielder.