Arsenal transfer news: ‘Official line’ from AC Milan quells Lucas Torreira fears
Former Arsenal forward Jimmy Carter has urged the north London club to keep hold of Lucas Torreira as an ‘official line’ from AC Milan has denied the club is interested in the midfielder.
The 23-year-old combative Uruguayan joined the Gunners from Sampdoria last summer and has recently been linked with a return to Italian football.
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Torreira, whose present deal at the Emirates Stadium expires in June 2023, endured a stop-start campaign under Unai Emery. Nonetheless, he would go on to make no fewer than 50 appearances in all competitions, whilst registering two goals and creating five more.
A favourite amongst supporters, Torreira’s tenacity in the heart of midfield has been lauded as something Arsenal have been missing, but there are fears he could be prized away.
AC Milan, who are in another period of rebuilding, have been heavily linked but Torreira himself seems content in England, with ex-winger Carter backing him to come good next season.
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“I don’t think it was a perfect season for Torreira,” he told Goal.
“He started the season very well but he seemed to tire as it went on. He has the World Cup so I think that took its toll later on in the season for him.
“I think what you get with Torreira is that he sticks his foot in, makes it difficult for the opposition and he is going to be tenacious. That’s what you get from him, he isn’t going to create a lot but he scored a great goal in the North London derby.
“He is not the most creative player. I would give him another year unless he is really unsettled and he wants to move to AC Milan. If he tells Unai Emery he wants to go back to Italy then Arsenal could let him go but then he would need replacing. You can’t sell everyone.”
Milan never considered a move
Recently there has been speculation that Torreira, who has predominantly played his club football in Italy, was seeking a return to Serie A.
Milan, as mentioned, have been mooted as a potential destination but according to Milan TV journalist Mauro Suma there was never any real interest.
“AC Milan never considered a move for Torreira, never discussed a move with his agent and never opened formal talks with Arsenal. That’s not an opinion. That’s an official line,” he said.
Torreira’s ‘dolce Vita’. Five things to know…
- Though born in Fray Bentos, Uruguayan Torreira made his senior professional debut at Italian outfit Pescara.
- His strong performances earned him a move to Sampdoria, where he’d go on to make 74 appearances in all competitions.
- It was during his time at I Blucerchiati he made his international debut (v Czech Republic, 2018).
- Torreira would sign for Arsenal in July 2018 for a reported £26.4m.
- He’s since played 50 times for the Gunners.