Arsenal consider interesting Lucas Torreira & Correa swap deal with Lazio

Lucas Torreira has become a forgotten figure across the football world, not just at Arsenal. Having initially favoured the midfielder, Mikel Arteta is now looking to move him on this window and a swap deal with Lazio could be on the cards.

When the manager came in he started Torreira in each of his first seven Premier League fixtures in charge, a run that saw Arsenal collect eight points, but he would soon fall out of favour and injury further limited his chances of playing.

With Arsenal on the hunt for midfielders and playmakers this window, it’s clear there is no room for Torreira who would only start three La Liga matches across his entire year-long spell with Atletico Madrid. It’s easy to forget he is still an Arsenal player.

The saga surrounding his future has been ongoing for an unfortunate length of time, with new clubs arriving on the scene on a weekly basis with supposed interest. But it appears with the Gunners already shipping one midfielder off the Rome, another may join.

https://twitter.com/OfficialSSLazio/status/1406186325645082627

Arsenal consider interesting Lucas Torreira & Joaquin Correa swap deal with Lazio in summer transfer window

Sky Italy are reporting that new Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on bringing the 25-year-old to the club – Torreira is basically Jorginho, right? – although at this stage there are just early contacts and no concrete offers being made.

Where it gets interesting is that Arsenal have done likewise with Joaquin Correa.

Multiple reports in Italy stated that the Gunners had lodged a bid for the Argentine forward and Sky Italy confirm their is interest from Arteta’s side who may even consider discussions over a swap deal.

The Biancocelesti forward enjoyed a fine season at Stadio Olimpico despite suffering niggling injuries throughout the campaign, racking up 11 goals and six assists in all competitions including three strikes in the Champions League.

Swap deals are in general quite rare. Not often do two clubs come to conclusion that their respective players are valued the same and thus striking a deal becomes increasingly difficult. There could, however, be some potential agreement found should one of the clubs include some money into the equation, which looking at this situation would be Arsenal.

Correa is valued at more than Torreira and even if Arsenal got all they paid for the Uruguayan back this summer – which they won’t – then Lazio would still be wanting money on top.

If possible, should Arsenal pursue this deal?

Joaquin Correa Would Give Arsenal Depth but He’s Hardly Essential

Operating as second striker with Ciro Immobile in a 3-5-2 setup, the Argentinian drops off from the opposing back four into the inside left channel, where he loves to drive in to towards the box and look for passing options around the box.

He averages an outrageous amount of shot and goal creating actions per 90, whether from dribbles, shots, fouls or defensive actions. It’s noticeable watching him how technically astute he is, with a clever style of dribbling that is both aggressive and measured in equal quantities. When he wants to turn on the afterburners he can, and when he wants to win a foul he knows precisely when to flick the ball.

Quick, agile, aggressive, creative and skillful, there is a lot to like about Correa. There is also no obvious reason for Arsenal needing him.

He’d add depth in attack, especially if Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah leave, but he won’t be a regular starter and he doesn’t even fit into Arteta’s current 4-2-3-1 as fluidly. There is definite room for him as the left-winger in a 4-3-3, but he isn’t a No.10 and if put there all his better qualities are wasted.

There really isn’t any place for him in the squad other than to add depth. The forward line is packed full and Gabriel Martinelli is fit and firing ready for more minutes. Correa wouldn’t help in that regard.

Torreira, on the other hand, leaving for some money would be more welcome than in a potential swap that bolsters Arsenal’s numbers in an area they don’t need them. With Lazio showing their interest (until they drop out and a 312th Italian side enter the fray), Arsenal just need to get the midfielder sold and accrue something close to what they paid.

No swaps with players the club doesn’t need.