Exit confirmed for Arsenal misfit who struggled to meet expectations
Lucas Torreira has officially left Arsenal on another loan deal, this time returning to Serie A to join Fiorentina.
Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 after making a name for himself in Italy. Despite featuring heavily in his debut season, he did not fare as well in his sophomore year. Therefore, Arsenal decided to loan him out last season, sending him to Atletico Madrid.
His time in the Spanish capital was not particularly positive, despite earning a La Liga winner’s medal. Torreira only started three games of Atleti’s title triumph.
Therefore, they did not buy him permanently and Torreira was forced to find a different solution. The answer has now come from Fiorentina.
The Italian side confirmed the acquisition of Torreira on a temporary basis on Wednesday. Taking the Uruguay international back to Italy, where he enjoyed the most successful parts of his career on a personal level, they will also have the option to buy him.
Torreira, who will wear the number 18 shirt for La Viola, could cost a total of €16.5m between the loan fee and a potential permanent payment, according to reports.
1⃣8⃣ Our new number 18 #ForzaViola #Fiorentina #ACFFiorentina #Torreira pic.twitter.com/x1kfj39cnQ
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) August 25, 2021
It may be a loss on Arsenal’s initial investment, but for a player who will only have one year left on his contract next summer, could be good business if the sale eventually goes through.
Whatever the long-term future holds, though, all parties now know where Torreira will be playing at least for the season ahead.
Should his Arsenal career be over, it will end with 89 appearances and four goals. He was a member of the squad that won the 2019-20 FA Cup, although he did not feature in the final.
After his spell with Atletico and the death of his mother, Torreira considered returning to South America. But after representing his country at Copa America, he has decided to continue his club career in Europe.
Arsenal transfer chief under threat
While Torreira was far from the worst signing Arsenal have made in recent years, he did not live up to their expectations.
Indeed, it has been a familiar story for many that have followed him through the entrance door in the last couple of years.
Arsenal have started the season in worrying fashion after missing out on European qualification last term. As such, pressure is mounting on manager Mikel Arteta.
But another key senior figure is at risk of losing his job as well, according to reports…
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