KEY POINTS

  • Lucas Torreira is moving to Fiorentina on loan for the coming season
  • Torreira had a good showing with Atletico Madrid last season
  • Fiorentina has been given the option by Arsenal to buy Torreira after the loan spell

Lucas Torreira found himself falling down the pecking order with Arsenal after the coronavirus-enforced break.

The 25-year-old has struggled to recall his old form, but a loan spell to Fiorentina could change all that.

Torreira was loaned out by the Gunners on a season-long loan, Sky Sports reported. He was due to undergo medical on Tuesday, August 24.

The Uruguayan midfielder’s loan deal also includes an option to buy. Should the Purples be impressed with his performance, they would need to shell out £12.8 million ($17.61 million) at the end of the season to make the move permanent.

Torreira joined Arsenal in 2018 but was no longer in the plans of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. He opted to return to Italy before the loan deal was struck with Fiorentina.

Aside from the Violets, Eintracht Frankfurt was also reportedly interested in the footballer. They made a pitch earlier in the transfer window, but nothing progressed.

Torreira, who will wear the No. 18 jersey, hopes to be of help for Fiorentina who finished 13th in the Italian top-flight last season.

Their 2021-22 campaign did not exactly get off the ground, suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Roma.

With Arsenal, Torreira made 89 appearances and accumulated four goals. His contract with the Gunners will expire in 2023.

The midfielder’s Fiorentino loan spell would be the second one for him since coming to the Emirates Stadium. He suited up for Atletico Madrid last season and helped the team to the La Liga title.

Torreira appeared in 26 games while on loan with the Colchoneros.

Despite that performance, it was not enough to convince Arteta to integrate Torreira into the fold.

The move was a bit of a surprise considering he expressed his desire to move away from Europe.

Lucas Torreira of Arsenal
Lucas Torreira of Arsenal Getty Images | James Williamson - AMA

He publicly stated a move to Boca Juniors. Aside from that, his father also pleaded with Arsenal to allow him to return to South America.

But the problem is that the club may not be able to afford his salary. The situation may be different in 2023, but this is assuming Fiorentina does not exercise its right to pick up the buy option on the Uruguay national.

Torreira is the fourth player to leave the Emirates Stadium after Matteo Guendouzi, William Saliba and goalkeeper Dejan Iliev.

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