Arsenal outcast Lucas Torreira is willing to return to the club this summer, provided Mikel Arteta gives him assurances of playing time at the Emirates.
The Uruguayan joined Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan spell last summer, shortly before Thomas Partey’s £45million transfer in the opposite direction.
However, Torreira has struggled for minutes in the Spanish capital, starting just three La Liga matches this term with Diego Simeone’s side currently top of the league.
Atletico do not have an option to permanently sign Torreira in the midfielder’s loan deal and it appears unlikely that the Spaniards would want to do so in any case.
That leaves Torreira’s options limited but the Athletic claim he’s open to a return to the Emirates if Arteta tells him he’s part of his plans.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 for a fee of around £22m and he initially proved a hit with supporters, particularly after his man-of-the-match performance in a 4-2 win against rivals Tottenham.
But Arteta’s appointment did little to help Torreira’s chances of long-term success at the Emirates, with the Spaniard failing to take a liking to the midfielder.
Torreira was sent on loan in the hope that a season away from the Emirates could boost his value but he’ll have just two years left on his contract by the time he returns this summer.
Arsenal must therefore decide whether they can integrate him into the squad next term or take a hit by selling him, with bids in the region of £11-£12m expected.
MORE : Jesse Lingard lifts lid on ‘tough period’ that forced Man Utd exit
0 Commentaires