Wantaway Arsenal star’s father states next move after favoured plan falters

Torreira Martinelli Bellerin Arsenal

The father of an Arsenal player seeking to depart the Emirates has outlined where he sees his son playing if his first-choice move does not materialise.

Arsenalwere dealt a blow in early April when midfielder Lucas Torreira announced his desire to leave North London in an emotional plea. The Uruguayan suffered a bereavement after the loss of his mother. As such, Torreira revealed his intention to return to his native South America once his loan spell with Atletico Madrid concludes.

A switch to Argentine giants Boca Juniors was reported to be his number one priority. However, the issue of finances remains a difficult one to overcome.

Arsenal would reportedly prefer to sell on a permanent deal for a fee in the region of £15m.

That amount may be out of reach for Boca, who would prefer to take him on loan. Adding to the complications, that may not be ideal for Arsenal with Torreira only under contract for another two years.
Nevertheless, TyC noted  Arsenal will allow Torreira to join Boca on loan as long as the Argentine side pay €1m up front. Furthermore, they are willing to subsidise some of his wages.

Since that time, updates on the situation have been in short supply, until now.

Torreira’s father, Ricardo, has now spoken to Show de Boca , and revealed the proposed switch has been thrown into doubt.

Instead, Ricardo has cited options in Italy and France that could be explored should the South American dream fall flat.

“The arrival of Lucas to Boca will be quite difficult, there hasn’t been movement in that situation,” said Ricardo Torreira. “It happened only from a wish, we generated an inconvenience to Boca.

“I don’t know if Boca are in a position to face what Arsenal will ask for Lucas’s loan. I don’t know. Surely, I do not think Lucas will play for Arsenal this year. If it’s not Boca, his destiny will be Italy or France.

“We are left with the desire, instead of generating joy we generate an inconvenience to Boca’s leadership.”
Leno implores Arsenal to sign “ankle biter”

Goalkeeper Leno has come under some scrutiny himself in recent weeks. But he remains eager for Arsenal to improve.

One aspect he thinks they need to develop specifically is their toughness. As such, he has called for them to sign someone to “take out” opposition players.

“We have to be a nastier team,” Leno told Sport Bild “We all get on well, but we are often too nice on the pitch.

“Perhaps we are missing a proper ankle biter, someone who can take out opponents in games.”

READ MORE: Arsenal learn of big nosedive in fee for midfielder adding key string to bow