Arsenal are in talks to sign Sampdoria’s Lucas Torreira. The diminutive midfielder, who has a release clause of €25m, is also on the radar of Napoli and Borussia Dortmund. The Uruguayan is set to represent his nation at the World cup in a few days time and Arsenal might prefer to get the deal done before the mega event kicks off on 14th June.
New Arsenal manager Unai Emery is leading changes at the club and Torreira might be the newest acquisition at the Emirates Stadium after Stephan Lichtseiner, who joined on a free transfer from Juventus. But will Torreira fit at Arsenal?
What will he offer to Arsenal?
Torreira is an astute central midfielder who acts as an absolute powerhouse in the middle of the pitch. Although Torreira is known for his interceptions and tackling, the player is more than capable of embarking on a forward run, which can trouble the opponents. By signing the Uruguayan, Arsenal will look to stabilise their midfield, which has been an area of concern for the Gunners.
Current Arsenal midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka offer a lot going forward but the two don’t form the most solid midfield partnership when it comes to shielding the defence.
Ramsey is naturally inclined to attack and the Welshman often leaves his midfield partner Xhaka alone to deal with large spaces in the middle – thereby inviting trouble. Xhaka is a good tackler but the Swiss international struggles when exposed to a break in the midfield as he lacks the pace to deal with counter-attacks on his own.
It is expected that Emery will look to minimize spaces in the middle and offer more support to Xhaka and Ramsey by signing Torreira. The former PSG boss, who mostly favours playing in a 4-3-3 formation, would like to have the fielding midfield trio of Xhaka, Torreira and Ramsey.
Is he good enough?
Torreira, 22, has already proven himself as one of the most complete midfielders in Serie A. He can win balls and can dribble past his opponents before playing a fine through ball or taking a shot at himself.
The Sampdoria player made the most number of interceptions (87) and the most number of recoveries (296) in Serie A last season.
Even while going forward, Torreira nicked in with 4 crucial goals for his team, despite playing in a deep role.
The Verdict
Torreira looks set to become one of the best midfielders of his generation and he certainly has the tools to succeed in the Premier League. Arsenal should definitely sign the player.