Transfer Rumor: Arsenal interested in Lucas Torreira

Another day, another transfer rumor. According to Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato and reported by Inside Futball, Arsenal have inquired about Sampdoria’s 22-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira. Napoli have reportedly been pursuing him for a while, and Everton are also interested in acquiring his services. In addition to being an exciting, young prospect at a much-sought after position, Torreira is also relatively inexpensive. His contract contains a €25M release clause.

Torreira made 36 Serie A appearances this season and was named to Uruguay’s preliminary World Cup roster, although it remains to be seen if he will make the final 23-man squad. On the pitch, he is more of a link-up player than a destroyer and has drawn comparisons to Marco Verratti. Reading the description of his style in that linked piece immediately made me think of the role that Santi Cazorla played so well before his injury.

As with all transfer rumors, we should take this one with a grain of salt - I have no idea whether Tutto Mercato is a reliable source. That said, signing Torreira would be a great move for Arsenal. He’s young, inexpensive, and would fill a siginficant need.