Lucas Torreira has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal (Getty Images)
According to reports in Italy (h/t Evening Standard), AC Milan are keen on signing Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira in the summer.
Torreira, 24, joined the Gunners in the summer of 2018 after two highly-impressive campaigns with Sampdoria in Italy. He immediately made his way into Unai Emery’s starting XI and made 34 appearances in his debut season with Arsenal.
Though he struggled earlier in this campaign and was given just substitute appearances under Emery, the midfielder has got into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. But when he was looking to get going after 24 league appearances this term, he was forced out of action for the rest of the season after picking up an ankle injury.
The Gunners made a brilliant start to the New Year and have made progress since the Gunners boss Arteta took charge. Their results have been better from the first half of the campaign and they are on an unbeaten streak in the Premier League since January.
With three wins out of their last three games, Arsenal are currently 9th in the league table and are aiming for qualification to the Europa League. However, if they are to challenge for various titles next season, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements, especially to their defensive unit.
The Gunners have a plethora of midfield talents in their ranks in Mesut Ozil, Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Torreira. But in the deep-lying role, the Uruguayan international and Xhaka are the only two established players.
While Torreira has been in fine form, Xhaka has been through his fair share of ups and downs and hasn’t been consistent. With Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos also set to return to La Liga once his contract ends in the summer, the Gunners cannot afford to lose Torreira at the same time.
Torreira is just 24 and could prove to be a crucial player in front of Arsenal’s backline in the future. He has already shown glimpses of his best in the past two years and with the required experience, he would be a valuable asset to Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal’s defensive unit has been weak throughout the campaign and needs to be protected to ensure that results go their way. And Torreira can provide them with the quality in front of the defence. Hence, the Gunners should avoid any temptation for the £75k-a-week Uruguayan.
