One hurdle remains as Arsenal midfielder agrees Atletico personal terms

Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has edged closer to a move to Atletico Madrid after agreeing personal terms with the Spanish club, according to a report.

Torreira is one of several players on Arsenal’s transfer list, as the Gunners look to raise vital funds.

Initial suggestions were that Serie A side Torino were keen on a move for the Uruguayan. However, complications over the structure of a deal proved the key stumbling block.

As such, Atletico have reportedly come forward with serious interest. Head coach Diego Simeone is “desperate” to have Torreira in his team and has phoned him to communicate that message.

Now, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims (via Twitter) that that approach has worked. Torreira has reportedly agreed personal terms and is keen to recoup Simeone’s faith in him.

However, the deal remains off the cards until Atletico complete business of their own, the journalist adds.

 

 

The Spanish club need to offload Hector Herrera, who is once again a target for Porto. Herrera only moved to Spain from the Portuguese side last summer.

Herrera may not be the only Atletico player leaving before October’s transfer deadline, however.

Simeone is also reportedly unwilling to keep Diego Costa, Thomas Lemar and Jose Gimenez in his squad.

Atletico are listening to offers for Costa, whose fellow striker Alvaro Morata has Juventus. Gimenez, meanwhile, is reportedly on Manchester City’s radar as they hunt a new centre-back.

Arsenal looking to sell

Sokratis.Bellerin.Kolasinac.Arteta.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

Arsenal, like Atletico, are in the process of offloading several players. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has moved to Aston Villa, landing the Gunners £20million.

Also on the transfer list is defender Shkodran Mustafi. The former Valencia man has struggled to hit the heights at The Emirates, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes pushing him further down the pecking order.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk has revealed how Kieran Tierney was key in Mikel Arteta telling Sead Kolasinac he is free to find a new club.

Read more…