Arsenal out of favour loan duo focus of crunch future talks

Lucas Torreira Arsenal Future

Deciding what to do with both players’ futures involves balancing two separate needs.

First of all, can either be of benefit to Arteta’s vision of this Arsenal side? If either can play a role in moving the club forward then the decision becomes a simple one. It’s long-been hinted that Arteta eyes a 4-3-3 system long-term, but as Emile Smith Rowe continues to flourish in the 4-2-3-1 setup, those plans have been put on the backburner at least until right right additions are made.

Would the appropriate summer signings alter that approach? And could the two in question be part of that? That decision was seemingly made last summer having allowed them to leave in the first place, so barring some miraculous form, Arteta may already have come to a conclusion.

Guendouzi is playing well, though, and despite barely featuring this season, Torreira is inundated with admirers from across Europe.

The other need, however, is money. Cold, hard cash. As it is, Arsenal’s sellable assets are few and far between. Aside from the English academy core and homegrown group they boast, those who could accrue notable fees are part of the club’s future plans.

Hence why Guendouzi and Torreira are important. The Uruguayan looks destined to leave in the summer as Arteta doesn’t favour him, and with two years left on his deal come the end of the season, he could be garnering somewhere in the region of £20m.

Costing £26m when he joined from Sampdoria would obviously mean Arsenal take a financial hit, but given he rarely plays and clubs are struggling for income, it would constitute the best possible outcome. Once again, it would be righting the wrongs of past regimes.