Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Torreira finding life “very difficult” in England
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has spoken out about the difficulties he has faced in his first season in England, admitting “life was easier” in Italy.
The 23-year-old has just finished his first year with the Gunners since his switch from Sampdoria last summer for a transfer fee of £26.4 million but has been linked with a move back to Italy this summer.
Will Torreira leave Arsenal? Five things to know…
- Reports suggest Lucas Torreria may return to Italy with AC Milan a potential destination.
- Former Sampdoria coach Marco Giampaolo has been announced as Milan’s new manager for the 19/20 season.
- Torreira spent two years with Giampaolo at Sampdoria, making 74 appearances across two seasons.
- The midfielder signed a five-year-deal with Arsenal last summer which will expire in 2023.
- Torreira averaged a pass accuracy of 87.4% in 34 Premier League games including substitute appearances.
The talented young midfielder is currently preparing for the Copa America with Uruguay but still found time to speak about his first year on English soil.
Amid links with Milan, Torreira did nothing to dampen the exit reports reports but instead increased speculation by admitting that his life was “better in Italy” and that the English language barrier has been a big problem this season.
Torreira said: “I don’t think there are many things I enjoy here in England. I think it was better in Italy. England is a totally different world, it’s a very large country.
“The language barrier has been a problem, as I’ve had trouble relating to my teammates and the people around me. It is very difficult when you can’t dialogue with anyone.”
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This season, Torreira started 24 Premier League games and bagged his first goal for the club in Arsenal’s impressive 4-2 victory at home to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Uruguayan made 12 Europa League appearances – six from the bench – as Arsenal battled their way to the final, where they lost 4-1 to Chelsea in a controversial game in Azerbaijan.
