Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has called Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira to tell him he wants him at the Spanish club next season.
That’s according to Uruguayan journalist Sebas Giovanelli, who says the player may have been presented with an alternative move this summer.
The midfielder has been widely tipped to leave the Emirates this summer, with it believed that Mikel Arteta has him on the list of players he would like to move on.
It had looked likely he would move to Italy, with Serie A side Torino keen on bringing him back to the country after his earlier spell with Sampdoria.
They have been negotiating with Arsenal over a move for several weeks but now seemingly face competition from La Liga in the shape of Atlético.
According to Giovanelli, their manager Simeone called the Arsenal midfielder personally and ‘told him he wants him’ at the Spanish club.
AHORA| Diego Simeone llamó a @LTorreira34 y le dijo que lo quiere en @Atleti. El mediocampista de @Uruguay parecía tener futuro italiano, pero… #uruguayo 🇺🇾⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tlVMg8qNsZ
— Sebas Giovanelli (@SebasGiovanelli) September 18, 2020
What Torreira’s reaction was isn’t mentioned, but he does say the midfielder ‘seemed to have an Italian future’ before adding a ‘but…’, suggesting this offer may change his plans.
That would make sense given reports from Italy had stated Torreira wants to play in Europe, something Atlético would be able to offer him.
It remains to be seen whether they make an official move, with Arsenal’s interest in Thomas Partey almost certain to get pulled into it at some point.
