Chances of move ‘very distant’ despite Arsenal setting midfielder conditions

Lucas Torreira Cadiz v Atletico Madrid January 2021

Arsenal will allow Lucas Torreira to leave on loan again this summer if it is the only way he can return to Boca Juniors, a report claims.

Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 but struggled for consistency across his two years at the Emirates Stadium. Hence, he was allowed to leave on loan for Atletico Madrid for this season. Even that spell has not gone to plan for the Uruguayan, though.

Atletico have only given Torreira three starts in La Liga and there were rumours his loan would be terminated in January. He eventually stayed put but will be looking for a new club in the summer.

Staying at Arsenal seems to have been ruled out as well. Following the recent death of his mother, Torreira revealed he wanted to move back to South America.

Boca Juniors are the leading suitors for the 25-year-old but may have some difficulties affording him. A recent report claimed that Arsenal had put a £15m price tag on his shoulders.

Even that may be out of reach for Boca, who would prefer to take him on loan. That may not be ideal for Arsenal, as they only have him under contract until 2023, but it seems they are willing to oblige.

According to TyC, Arsenal will allow Torreira to join Boca on loan as long as the Argentine side pay them €1m up front. Furthermore, they are willing to subsidise some of his wages.

Arsenal have granted Boca an exception for this, as they wouldn’t have taken a similar step for another European side.

Mikel Arteta pleased with Arsenal attitude

Mikel Arteta pleased with Arsenal attitude

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was pleased with his side's energy in their victory at Sheffield United, and hopes they can gain confidence from the performance ahead of their Europa League second-leg against Slavia Prague.

However, a deal for Boca to sign Torreira is still “very distant”. It may also be impacted by the future of Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.

Like Torreira, Cavani is considering returning to South America. Boca are also his prime suitors and seem to be prioritising his signing.

The Argentine club only have one space for a foreign player, though, so can only sign one of the Uruguayan duo. Their preference appears to be Cavani at present.

However, Torreira will still be hoping they can find a way to take him.

Arteta offers Torreira advice

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently discussed Torreira’s future and admitted he would have to be patient to make a decision.

“There is a lot of thoughts and things that goes through his mind but… ‘tranquilo’ when things are like that it is not the moment to make decisions,” said the Spaniard (via the Mirror).

“I understand how he’s feeling emotionally, his need and responsibility to be closer to his family but this is not the moment to make any decision.

“Certainly it’s a decision that will have to be made by different parties and now nothing is going to change.”


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Arteta also addressed why Torreira has struggled to live up to expectations since joining from Sampdoria.

“Players often go through different stages in their careers and emotional moments and these things happen.

“We have to deal with that and when you recruit a player from a foreign country they have that struggle sometimes to adapt to a new culture a new language a new way of doing things. The risk is there.”

READ MOREArsenal reignite pursuit of striker who costs as much as one they can sell