AC Milan wants to add Lucas Torreira to their squad in this transfer window and reunite him with incoming manager Marco Giampaolo.
AC Milan are thought to be on the verge of revamping their squad ahead of next season following their disappointing finish in the previous term. Tutomercatoweb are reporting of Milan’s possible interest in Arsenal defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira, who they hope to reunite with incoming manager Marco Giampaolo.
After a disappointing finish to last season, where Milan finished outside of the Champions League places, the club are set for an overhaul. The aim is to set themselves up nicely for next season and move past the reign of Gennaro Gattuso, who left at the end of the season. Milan are reportedly on the verge of making Sampdoria boss Giampaolo their new manager and want to shape their team accordingly.
They are targeting defensive reinforcements in the summer and are linked with a host of players including Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren. As much as they need central defenders, they are also on the lookout for a bonafide defensive midfielder to add to their ranks. Their choice of last season, Tiemoue Bakayoko, on loan from Chelsea has reportedly rejected the idea of a permanent move.
Bakayoko is set to return to Chelsea as he is not interested in pursuing his career at the San Siro. The French midfielder might stay put at Stamford Bridge or might play his football elsewhere next season, but certainly not in Milan. So naturally they are in search of a player with a similar profile, and it has lead them to Arsenal where Lucas Torreira plays.
The Uruguayan has had a solid first season at Arsenal and has drawn plaudits for his performances in the defensive midfield role. Torreira only moved to Arsenal last summer for £26 million from Sampdoria after an impressive World Cup in Russia. The midfielder has reportedly admitted that life is better in Italy than in England and it has obviously made the press link with a move back.
With Milan searching for a player of his profile, the links are the result of his reported statements. Additionally, there is the lure of Giampaolo, who managed Torreira when the Uruguayan played at Sampdoria. The midfielder has a long contract with Arsenal which only expires in the summer of 2023. Additionally, if Arsenal decide to sell, Torreira may not come cheap, which is a problem for Milan.
The San Siro outfit have been somewhat struggling to cope with the Financial Fair Play. In their pursuit of Torreira, they might have to sell before they can make this sort of signing. Add the hefty fee Arsenal might want for Torreira and this transfer already looks like a difficult task.
It is tough to see Arsenal letting go of a player who really was impressive in his first season. Add that to the potentially high price tag on the player and AC Milan’s FFP problems, a deal looks really dicy for now. However, with Arsenal’s own financial situation, where they need to raise more funds to overhaul, a good offer might be able to turn their heads, even for Torreira.
