Tag: Xhaka

Torreira’s agent confirms Arsenal rejected advances from AC Milan

The agent of Lucas Torreira has confirmed that Arsenal turned down an approach from AC Milan to sign the Uruguay international. The 23-year-old had previously been linked with a return to the Serie A with the Rossoneri this summer with reports suggesting that he would favour a reunion with former Sampdoria coach Marco Giampaolo.

However, that has certainly not happened and his representative has now revealed that the Gunners rejected the prospect of selling the midfielder, he told Tuttosport: “There was the possibility. Giampaolo is in the heart of Lucas, but Arsenal said he had no intention of selling the boy. Lucas is fine, the club are happy with him. This will be the year of consecration. With the Arsenal shirt. Milan is Milan, it will always be an important team, even if today it has some economic problems.”

Torreira made a sublime beginning to his Gunners career last season and he was one of the favourites during the opening half of the campaign where he produced a number of top-notch displays. However, his form deteriorated during the backend of the season and he produced a forgettable performance during the 4-1 Europa League final defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

With the start of the new campaign, Torreira has been positioned on the bench with Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock getting starts ahead of him. As such, things don’t look bright for the Uruguayan at the moment, but he has been offered with an entire season to prove that he can become a regular with the Gunners.

Torreira was an unused substitute during the season opener at Newcastle United but he was handed with a cameo off the bench against Burnley at home. Next up, the Gunners face Liverpool on the road and Torreira may have to adjust with another reduced role. Guendouzi, Willock and summer signing Dani Ceballos seem the likely midfield combination to start unless Granit Xhaka makes his injury comeback.