Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to sign Lucas Torreira from Arsenal on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.
According to a report by The Athletic, Lucas Torreira is closing in on a temporary switch away from Arsenal. The Uruguayan midfielder is on the cusp of joining Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal, with the two clubs close to reaching an agreement for the transfer.
Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018 and arrived at the Emirates with a lot of hype behind him following a successful campaign in Serie A. The 24-year-old was an instant hit at the north London club, having made a fine start to the 2018/19 season. However, last term was a horrific one for the player, who slipped down the pecking order at the club.
The arrival of Mikel Arteta did not really help matters a great deal, with Torreira failing to become a regular fixture in the side. So, as the summer transfer window opened, the Uruguayan’s future became a subject of widespread speculation, with a return to Serie A being mooted initially. In fact, there were strong links with AC Milan, who wished to sign the Arsenal outcast.
A move to San Siro never really materialised and AS Roma then emerged in pursuit of Torreira. The prospect of leaving Arsenal also seemed to be one that was prudent for Torreira, with Mohamed Elneny becoming a part of Arteta’s squad, Ceballos returning on loan once again and the Gunners eyeing a move for another central midfielder.
Lyon’s Houssem Aouar and Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey have reportedly been on Arsenal’s radar, but both moves appear to be unlikely to happen. As for Torreira, it now seems like Atletico Madrid is his next destination, albeit temporarily so.
Arsenal are still in talks for Houssem Aouar but no agreement has been reached yet with OL. Lucas Torreira will join Atlético Madrid only if Herrera will leave the club, confirmed. Kolasinac-Bayer Leverkusen deal is still on, talking about salary and personal terms. ⚪️? #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2020
The report suggests that talks between Los Rojiblancos and Arsenal have progressed smoothly, and a season-long loan deal appears to be likely. The Spanish heavyweights would also have the option to make Torreira’s stay at the Wanda Metropolitano a permanent one next summer.
As things stand, Diego Simeone has five central midfielders at his disposal. But, Hector Herrera is set to leave this summer, bringing an end to a frustrating spell at the club. As a result, Atletico Madrid have been eager to get in a replacement, with Simeone zeroing in on Torreira, who has been given assurances of game-time by the manager himself.
Arsenal ideally wanted the Uruguayan international to be sold this summer, but Atletico Madrid’s financial troubles complicated matters. For now, a loan deal looks likely, with Torreira set for a switch to the Spanish capital.
