Edu connection key as new suitors enter race for struggling Arsenal man

Lucas Torreira TEAMtalk

The future of Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira could still be in Spain, according to a report.

Torreira is currently out on loan at Atletico Madrid, who are leading the way in La Liga. However, the Arsenal loanee has not played a major role in their success.

The Uruguay international has only started two games in the Spanish top flight, both in October. He has amassed just over an hour of gametime since then.

Hence, there is plenty of speculation about the Arsenal man’s immediate future. His agent recently denied the idea of him cancelling his loan with Atletico, but rumours continue to spread suggesting that may happen.

If Torreira is to end his loan spell in Spain, it is unlikely he would reintegrate into Arsenal’s plans. Instead, it had seemed probable he would return to Italy, where he used to play for Sampdoria.

With Arsenal possibly looking to sell Torreira permanently, Torino and Fiorentina had been suggested as potential suitors.

However, more competition has since emerged in the race to sign him. According to AS, two clubs are trying to keep Torreira in La Liga.

 

One is Valencia, who have made strengthening their midfield a top priority for the January transfer window.

The identity of the other is not yet clear, but AS speculate that it could be Sevilla, who are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old.

The report adds that a third Italian side, Lazio, have also joined the race. But there is one factor that could lead to him staying in Spain.

AS point out that Arsenal negotiator Edu used to play for Valencia. Therefore, he could use his good relations with them to facilitate a transfer.

Torreira remains under contract with Arsenal until 2023, but it seems unlikely he will fulfil that.

Atletico face accusations about Torreira

Lucas Torreira TEAMtalk

A recent report claimed that Arsenal were unhappy with Atletico Madrid over the situation – but the feeling is mutual.

Libertad Digital speculated that Atletico are “directly devaluing the player on purpose” because Arsenal refused to insert an option to buy into the loan deal.

The Spanish club are also unhappy about the way Arsenal took Thomas Partey from them late in the transfer window. The manner in which the Gunners activated his release clause via La Liga, rather than via the club, does not sit well with Atletico.

Therefore, it is rumoured that the Spanish giants are “playing dirty”.

Such claims have been denied by Atletico, who maintain the only reason Torreira is struggling for gametime is because they are getting results without him.

READ MORE: Torreira details key factor that ‘cost’ him reaching heights at Arsenal