Arsenal Transfers: Lucas Torreira reaches an agreement with Valencia

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has reached an agreement with La Liga side Valencia, but a transfer will not take place until the club return from their pre-season tour to the USA. 

Torreira hasn’t been a part of Mikel Arteta plans since 2020 as he spent the last two seasons out on loan at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina. He particularly enjoyed his time in Florence but La Viola were unable to secure his services on a permanent basis.

Thus, the Uruguayan midfielder, whose Arsenal career started so promisingly, returned to London Colney for the start of pre-season this summer and was named in the squad for the club’s tour to the US.

The Gunners will take on Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea across seven days in the States before returning to north London for the Emirates Cup against Sevilla on 30 July.

Lucas Torreira reaches agreement with Valencia over transfer

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1547207360778829824

While Arteta previously hasn’t taken to Torreira, it’s understood that the Spaniard wants to assess the midfielder in the US before making a final decision over his future. The Uruguayan international, though, is keen to depart to ensure he plays regular first-team football next season and beyond.

The player’s agent, Pablo Bentancur, told Deporte (via Fabrizio Romano) that he’s reached an agreement with Valencia over a transfer. “Gattuso wants him,” he said.

Torreira has just a year left on his Arsenal contract, which means that the Gunners will only garner a small fee for his sale this summer. The player is believed to be keen on a move to Boca Juniors, but the Argentine giants don’t have the funds to match Arsenal’s valuation of the player nor Torreira’s wage demands.

AS Roma are also interested off the back of the 26-year-old’s impressive campaign in Serie A. Jose Mourinho has lost Sergio Oliveira this summer and is looking to further bolster his midfield following the arrival of Nemanja Matic.

Speaking on a potential move to the Italian capital, Torreira said: “Roma? Yes, there is a possibility. I spoke to Mourinho a while ago. I admire him as a coach. It’s an opportunity that tempts me a lot, but it’s not easy.”

Valencia’s pre-agreement with Torreira’s entourage, however, means they’re currently in control of the race.