Mikel Arteta behind Lucas Torreira’s Arsenal absence, despite player ‘wanting to play for’ Gunners
Mikel Arteta behind Lucas Torreira’s Arsenal absence, despite player ‘wanting to play for’ Gunners
A fresh insight into the future of Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has been forthcoming on Thursday evening.
Atleti struggles
Uruguayan international Torreira was of course one of a number of players to have been sanctioned a departure from North London last summer.
The ex-Sampdoria man, two years on from arriving at the Emirates, made the move to La Liga, to line out for Atletico Madrid for the 2020/21 campaign.
To say that Torreira’s time in the Spanish capital subsequently proven disappointing, though, would be something of an understatement.
On the back of a positive start to life as a Rojiblanco, the 25-year-old was ultimately utilised as little more than a substitute by Diego Simeone, in an attempt to see out fixtures from winning positions.
All told, Torreira managed 19 La Liga appearances, with just three having come in the form of starts.
Uruguay’s Lucas Torreira (L) and Edinson Cavani celebrate after an own goal by Ecuador’s Arturo Mina (out of frame) during their Copa America football tournament group match at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on June 16, 2019. (Photo by Luis ACOSTA / AFP) (Photo credit should read LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
In turn, it came as little surprise when Atletico opted against attempting to make the South American’s arrival a permanent one following the opening of the summer transfer window.
Rome bound?
Torreira, for his part, though, was left with little time to concern himself with matters in the Spanish capital, after earning a call-up to Uruguay’s squad for the Copa America.
The all-action midfielder was part of the Celeste side which advanced beyond the group stages, only to ultimately be sent packing in the quarter-finals by Colombia.
Uruguay’s Copa exit, however, came all the way back on the 3rd of July.
Why, then, has Torreira not yet linked back up with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the touchline during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. (Photo by Andy Rain/PA Images via Getty Images)
Well, an insight into precisely that has this evening been forthcoming.
The info comes courtesy of the reliable Chris Wheatley of football.london, who has confirmed that Torreira, in fact, was in favour of a return to base with Arsenal, ahead of the new season.
His boss, however, subsequently made abundantly clear that the midfielder does not feature in his plans moving forward.
A return to Serie A therefore looks the most likely outcome as things stand, with capital rivals AS Roma and Lazio both understood to be keen on Torreira’s signature.
Lucas Torreira wanted to play for Arsenal this season but was informed that he’s not in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
🇮🇹 As previously reported, Italy remains his most likely destination with Roma & Lazio both expressing interest 👇https://t.co/rakL2Q0yvm
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) August 19, 2021
It is added that Torreira ‘respects the decision made’ by Arteta, with his agent having made clear that he is very much open to the prospect of a move back to Italy.
Why Martin Odegaard is unlikely to feature for Arsenal against Chelsea
Insight into Arsenal’s transfer window end goals as double signing all but confirmed
