MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 01:44:31| >> :120:4019:4019:

Lucas Torreira 'stalling over Arsenal exit'

Lucas Torreira 'stalling over Arsenal exit'
© Reuters
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is yet to decide whether he wants to join Galatasaray on a permanent deal this summer, according to a report.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is yet to decide whether he wants to join Galatasaray on a permanent deal this summer, according to a report.

The Gunners are understood to have agreed to sell the 26-year-old to the Turkish giants in a deal worth £7.5m plus add-ons, with the Uruguay international now deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Mikel Arteta.

Torreira was allegedly scheduled to board a flight to Istanbul on Tuesday ahead of undergo his medical and putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

However, The Express journalist Ryan Taylor claims that the midfielder opted against travelling to Turkey and his proposed deal to join Galatasaray has now stalled.

Taylor adds that Torreira wants more time to make a final decision on his future, while both Arsenal and Galatasaray want answers as to why he decided against boarding his scheduled flight.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira pictured in July 2020© Reuters

Earlier this summer, Torreira admitted that there is "no chance" of him staying at the Emirates Stadium beyond this summer.

Speaking about his future to El Telegrafo, Torreira said: "There is no chance (of staying at Arsenal). From the beginning, they told me that I didn't have a place, so I don't want to stay either. We'll look for a new direction."

The 5ft 5in midfielder has not made a competitive appearance for the Gunners since July 2020 when he came on as a substitute against Watford in their final Premier League game of the season.

Torreria has since spent the last two seasons away from the club on loan, firstly with Atletico Madrid for the 2020-21 campaign and then with Fiorentina last term.

Lucas Torreira in action for Atletico Madrid in October 2020© Reuters

The Uruguayan failed to make an impression under Diego Simeone as he started only three of his 19 La Liga appearances for Atletico on their way to lifting the title.

However, Torreira reignited his career with Fiorentina last season, starting 26 of his 31 Serie A appearances as well as contributing with five goals and two assists.

Despite a successful stint in Italy, La Viola decided against activating the €15m (£13m) option to buy Torreira on a permanent deal, before unsuccessfully attempting to drive his valuation down.

Galatasaray are still thought to be the frontrunners to sign the midfielder, while the likes of Valencia, Juventus and Roma have also been credited with an interest.

Torreira, who joined Arsenal from Sampdoria for around £27m in the summer of 2018, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at the Emirates.

ID:491469:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4996:
Written by
Oliver Thomas

Click here for more stories about Lucas Torreira

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Lucas Torreira in action for Fiorentina in April 2022
Read Next:
Where has it gone wrong for Lucas Torreira at Arsenal?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!