Arsenal’s fourth summer signing confirmed for €30m

Lucas Torreira’s €30million transfer to Arsenal is done, according to Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero.

The midfielder, who is currently in Russia, was a second-half sub in Uruguay’s opening win over Egypt and he will complete his move on conclusion of the World Cup.

Earlier this month Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web claimed that Arsenal wanted to get an agreement in place for the player, who has a €25million exit fee in his contract.

Arsenal though are believed to have paid a premium to get the player on board early, proposing three payments of €10million.

There is no doubt the deal is as good as done though with Ferrero admitting Samp are a “stepping stone” club and that they have “won” having bought the player for €3million from Pescara.

“Sampdoria do not sell unless there are excellent offers,” Ferrero told SportItalia.

“We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose values increase exponentially.

“Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It’s a family-run club and that allows players to grow up. It’s normal they have aspirations to play for big clubs, but I do not need to sell out.

“Torreira has left for €30million. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed.

“We bet and we won, paying just €3 million. The money that comes in is used to keep the club going.

“Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It’s a family-run club and that allows players to grow up.”

Torreira will become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer with Stephan Lichtsteiner and goalkeeper Bernd Leno, while centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos will arrive on July 1.

Torreira will replace Jack Wilshere, who will leave the club, in the Arsenal squad, although the former is a defensive-minded midfielder.