5 potential suitors for wantaway Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira

4. Villarreal

Although a swift return to Italy appears to be the most probable outcome, Torreira may be enticed to make a fresh start elsewhere and perhaps the man who brought him to England can help him rediscover his initial Arsenal form.

The midfield star arrived in north London as the fourth signing of the Unai Emery era and became an instant fan favourite with a series of Man of the Match displays in his first few months at the club. However, numerous tactical experiments and increased collective trepidation caused both Torreira and his teammates to lose their way and, unfortunately, his Arsenal career never recovered.

Plenty of time has since passed and today he would be a great addition to Emery’s Spanish project. Villarreal will be keen on signing fresh legs for their ageing engine room this window as former north London residents Etienne Capoue and Francis Coquelin approach the twilight stages of their sporting journeys. Torreira can bring much-needed tenacity to help build on their extraordinary recent European run.

He would also be a strong tactical fit as, just like he did when signed in 2018, Torreira would thrive at the base of Emery’s rigid defensive structure where he can find space to receive and play passes, in addition to protecting those behind and enabling flanking midfielders to venture forward.

The first chapter did not go to plan, but maybe there is a fairy-tale ending to this relationship.

Suitability Rating: 8/10

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