Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. Torreira has been named in Uruguay’s preliminary 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The 22-year-old’s displays in Serie A have also interested Napoli as the club seeks a replacement for their star Jorginho, who is a reported Manchester City target.
The Gunners are in the midst of a summer of change with Unai Emery taking over as Arsene Wenger’s successor at the Emirates. If Arsenal are genuinely interested in Torreira, they have to battle it out with Napoli for his signature.
Considering this season’s horror show, Arsenal desperately need reinforcements in defence ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. They also need a commanding defensive midfielder as Mohamed Elneny is the only option they have in that area. While Elneny has done well whenever he has played, the Egyptian is prone to injuries and Emery certainly cannot rely only on him to play a whole season.
Hence, a defensive midfielder should be a priority for Arsenal. They are eyeing young Sampdoria midfielder Torreira, who enjoyed an excellent season in Serie A.
The 22-year-old has developed into a solid defensive midfielder and is making waves with Sampdoria, having joined the club from Pescara in 2015. He conducts play from the base of Sampdoria midfield with his exquisite passing and dribbling skills. Torreira is a deep-lying playmaker who controls the game for Sampdoria, while his versatility adds more value to his name.
When Sampdoria attack, Torreira makes himself available for his teammates. Without the ball, he adjusts himself beautifully to take his position and shield the backline.
The Uruguayan is not a one-paced midfielder and is never shy of hitting long passes. He keeps moving in front of the backline using his wit which makes him such a tough player to mark.
Due to his diminutive stature, Torreira often gets unnoticed and that makes him very dangerous as he has shown his penchant for scoring long-range screamers this season. With his top vision and breathtaking technique, the 22-year-old has become the heartbeat of the Sampdoria system.
If there is any weakness to Torreira’s game at this point in his career, it is that he can at times slow down Sampdoria’s quick-passing game. It can be frustrating for Sampdoria’s attacking players as well as the manager but that’s how the Uruguay international operates, always opting for the safety pass first rather than looking to be adventurous.
Torreira is really talented and it could be argued that he’s one of the best young defensive midfielders in Europe. He is destined for bigger and better things and the 22-year-old has already shown his capability to function smoothly in a pressing system.
Torreira would suit Arsenal’s style of play, although Emery is a conservative, defensive manager. Torreira’s arrival will not only give Arsenal balance but will also help unlock Granit Xhaka’s top potential.
Arsenal have been crying out for a strong defensive midfielder for years and the 22-year-old Uruguayan could finally be their answer.