During Lucas Torreira’s first season with Arsenal, it looked like the Gunners had signed a gem of a player.
The former Sampdoria player was a menace in midfield. Hacking away at opposing players with a South American annoyance that Arsenal fans loved and rival supporters despised. Yet despite moments that made it look like Torreira was going to be the shining light in Arsenal’s team for years to come, the fire went out.
Indeed, a year after the Uruguayan midfielder joined the club, Gazzetta dello Sport reported Torreira had a transfer value of £45m. Now, it feels like Arsenal will be lucky to get just £15m for the 25-year-old.
It is a tale as old as time. Arsenal have an exciting player, they perform well, their form drops off a cliff, and finally, they’re sold for a fee well below their market value. Sometimes for nothing entirely.
And it appears this will be the case for Torreira. According to il Messaggero, Arsenal will use the midfielder as leverage to bring Joaquin Correa to north London. Moreover, the Gunners plan to offer cash as well for the Argentine international.
Arsenal should avoid swap transfer involving Lucas Torreira
It is not too surprising to see Arsenal pursue such a deal this summer. Indeed, it could be the first of many which see the north London side offer cash plus a player surplus to requirements for a club with a name the Gunners are interested in.
Fans on social media are already keen on Arsenal offering Brighton and Hove Albion Eddie Nketiah in an offer for either Ben White or Yves Bissouma. Yet in the case of Torreira, the board are making a mistake in not cashing in on the midfielder.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan international has proven he is worth more than just a pawn to spice up a transfer offer. And although the Gunners will likely not break even on Torreira, selling him on for a fee higher than £15m could prove to be better business than using his a ‘something extra’ in a deal.
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