Sampdoria president announces Lucas Torreira departure

Arsenal have reportedly offered £26 million for the Uruguayan midfielder.

Lucas Torreira has been long linked with a move to Arsenal, and it seems like the deal is close to being finalised. According to Sampdoria’s president, Massimo Ferrero, the player has “left” the club.

Earlier, Sky reported that Arsenal offered £26.4 million for the midfielder in instalments. The release clause for the Uruguayan is £22 million.

Ferrero announced Torreira’s departure on live television. Speaking on Italian television, Ferrero said, “Torreira left for 30m euro. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed in him. We placed a bet and we won, paying just 3m euro.”

Ferrero insisted that Sampdoria wouldn’t have sold Torreira if they didn’t receive “excellent” offer for the player. “La Samp does not sell unless there are excellent offers. We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose value increases exponentially,” the President said.

The Sampdoria president also suggested that a confirmation from Arsenal’s side is all that is left in Torreira’s transfer.

Lucas Torreira joined the Italian club in 2015 from Pescara, and since appeared in 71 Serie A games for the club, and making 76 appearances in total.

Torreira is currently representing Uruguay in the World Cup, as the team chases World Cup glory in Russia. He appeared for the team in their first game against Egypt, which ended in a win for Uruguay.

Meanwhile, Arsenal has already completed two signings this summer. The Gunners signed Stephan Lichtsteiner earlier this month, and announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Bernd Leno yesterday from Bayer Leverkusen.