Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their attempt to rebuild Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer, as it has emerged that Lucas Torreira is set to return to the club following a successful loan spell with Fiorentina.
The Uruguayan joined La Viola last summer after being told that he was not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, on an initial loan deal with an option to buy for around 15 million euros.
And, his performances have seen him win 3 player of the month awards this calender year alone, with Torreira racking up 35 appearances across all competitions in Florence.
This led to the assumption across the media and fanbase that Fiorentina would exercise their option to make the deal permanent for Torreira, a fan favourite, something that was made more plausible by the sale of Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus in January.
However, as per generally reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Vincenzo Italiano’s side are, in a shock twist, not set to make the deal permanent for Torreira, who has previously spoken of his love of Italy. It means that the loanee will be returning to Arsenal this summer, losing the Gunners a seemingly guaranteed 15m euros in the process.
#SerieA #Calciomercato | @acffiorentina, #Torreira non verrà riscattato: il centrocampista farà ritorno all’@Arsenal https://t.co/lFkOxYElwu
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) May 22, 2022
Will Torreira return to London for next season?
On paper, Torreira would be an upgrade on current backup midfield options at The Emirates Stadium, with Mohamed Elneny continuing to show that he cannot be relied on for long stints, while injuries to Thomas Partey have left him in the same boat.
However, having previously been homesick to the point of publicly asking for a return to Uruguay, and eventually being shipped back to Italy, it is unclear how Torreira would view a return to north London.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 13: Lucas Torreira of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring opening goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Bologna FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 13, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Additionally, and perhaps more significant for its symbolisation than anything else, his shirt number at Arsenal has now been taken by Gabriel Martinelli, which Torreira was keen to point out on social media upon the announcement.
All in all, having not been in Arteta’s plans 12 months ago, it seems unlikely that will have changed 12 months later, so a summer move away from the Emirates remains the most likely option even if Fiorentina opt not to retain him.
