AC Milan keen on Lucas Torreira with Arsenal open to selling midfielder
AC Milan are plotting another move for Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira, who could be allowed to leave the club as part of their summer rebuild under Mikel Arteta.
Torreira endured a challenging second season in England, firstly being played out of position by Unai Emery and then suffering a fractured ankle against Portsmouth in March.
Torreira had interest from Italy in January, with Napoli keen on bringing him back to Serie A, and Telegraph Sport understands Milan are the frontrunners this summer if Arsenal agree to sell.
Reports in Italy have said that Fiorentina are also interested in signing the Uruguayan but it is understood that Milan is the more likely destination for the midfielder at this stage.
Arsenal have identified their midfield as one of the key areas to strengthen in the coming weeks but their transfer budget will depend to a large extent on how much they can generate through player sales.
Torreira signed a five-year deal when he joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in 2018 and Mikel Arteta’s side would hope to recoup that transfer fee, at least, for a player who is still only 24.
Arsenal have interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey and also want to keep Dani Ceballos, on loan from Real Madrid last season, at the club.
Any cash raised from player sales would be invested back into the team, with Arsenal also hopeful of finding a buyer for Matteo Guendouzi.
As reported by Telegraph Sport on Thursday, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been told by Arsenal that he will be made available for transfer this summer. The academy graduate, who starred in the latter stages of their FA Cup run, is valued at upwards of £20m.
Torreira enjoyed a superb first season in England, quickly becoming a favourite with Arsenal’s fans for his tenacious approach in midfield.
But he was played in a more advanced position by Emery at the start of this season, losing form and confidence. Since the appointment of Arteta in December, and following his ankle injury, he has fallen out of favour at the club, starting just two matches after lockdown.
