Arsenal: Lucas Torreira, not Steven N’Zonzi, for one reason

Arsenal have been linked with both Lucas Torreira and Steven N’Zonzi is recent weeks. I think that Torreira is the better options for one key reason: Age.

The need for a defensive midfield is great. I am like a broken record, as are many other fans. But I do believe that such is the need for the acquisition, it is worth repeating. Arsenal are desperate for investment at the defensive midfield position. I would argue it is the most important task this summer.

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And there are growing links with a series of different players that could certainly help.

The most prominent pair, as of writing, is Lucas Torreira of Sampdoria, who has enjoyed an excellent season at the Italian club in a new role as the anchoring midfielder having been adapted from a more attacking starting position earlier in his career; and Steven N’Zonzi, a player who enjoyed one of his best seasons under new manager Unai Emery at Sevilla and has been reportedly unhappy at the club and came close to forcing an exit in January, with Arsenal one of the clubs sniffing around his services.

Both are defensive midfielders. Both have played at a good level, without quite ever reaching that upper-tier of European football. Both are strong in the tackle, a nuisance to the opposition, a balance-providing option that can complement the more technical and attacking options that are already in the squad. Both would likely command a similar fee and wage. Both would be an improvement on what is currently at the club. But there is one clear difference, other than their stature: Age.

N’Zonzi is now 29 years of age. While he has never really been someone to struggle with injuries throughout his career, he has played a lot of minutes, averaging close to 3000-a-year during his time in Seville, and it would be a little foolish to believe that he could give another five or six years at the top level.

Torreira, on the other hand, only turned 22 in February. Moreover, he has not played as a defensive midfielder for very long, turning his hand to the position during a year-loan at Pescara, a season that was agreed in his permanent transfer from Pescara to current club Sampdoria who then continued featuring him in the role.

That, for me, separates these two potential options drastically. They are of a very similar level, at a similar price, and only really differ in physicality — Torreira’s biggest detraction is that he is only 5-foot-6, though he does not play like it.

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Why, then, sign a 29-year-old when you can sign a similar standard 22-year-old who is still adapting to and learning the position?