Biodun Bakare
From Italy comes a story detailing an agreement between Arsenal, Fiorentina and Lucas Torreira which would see the midfielder join the Serie A side on loan this season, with an obligation for them to purchase him at the end of the campaign.
It comes on the back of well placed reports from ESPN Uruguay yesterday that La Viola had reached an agreement with Torreira’s representatives about his return to Italy.
Labaro Viola say that Fiorentina will pay €8m as a loan fee for this season, with a €16m purchase clause to make the deal permanent.
However, the snag appears to be a lack of midfield options at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, and until that is sorted, Arsenal won’t green light the deal.
Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock are available, and although Dani Ceballos is set to re-join on loan, Covid-19 protocols mean he’ll have to self isolate for 14 days and won’t be considered for the Premier League opener against Fulham on September 12th. Bukayo Saka is a midfield option too, depending on formation.
There’s also the Matteo Guendouzi situation to consider, with the Frenchman still not back in the fold after his end of season fall from grace. Valencia are said to be interested in him.
If Arteta feels like he has enough cover to start the season, then we may let this one happen, knowing the loan fee + the payment at the end of next season will allow us to juggle our own finances to help bring in a midfield recruit.
Let’s see what happens, and when, but it looks as if Lucas is heading back to Italy soon.
