It’s nice when two stories go hand in hand, which is exactly what’s happened with the latest batch of articles concerning a potential Lucas Torreira transfer to AS Roma.
The Uruguayan has found himself left out of Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward at the Emirates, exemplified by his absence on the team sheet for the season opener against Fulham last Saturday, and a return to Italy has been widely touted, with teams such as Fiorentina, Torino and AS Roma all interested.
We’ll be focusing on the latter today, starting with Il Tempo, who give us the shortest amount of information possible on what’s going on, and yet it could be the spark that ignites the fire in this saga.
According to them, Torreira was ‘offered’ to Roma regarding a move in this transfer window, but that’s all they give us.
They add the player ‘is leaving the Gunners and after some timid enquiries a month ago, he is now back in the sights of [Guido] Fienga’, Roma’s CEO.
There’s then a brief mention of the fact Arsenal like Amadou Diawara and a suggestion of a swap deal, but that’s just speculation from them for now.
The big bonus for AS Roma here is the fact Torreira would be able to benefit from the Decreto Crescita, which means ‘any employee, self-employed professional or entrepreneur who becomes an Italian tax resident and commits to remain an Italian tax resident working in the Italian territory for the subsequent two years, regardless of role or qualification, will be subject to Italian income tax on only 50% of their income’.
This means, as explained by Calciomercato, that ‘instead of spending €6m gross salary per season on Torreira, Roma would only end up paying €3.7m (including tax) per year’.
As they say, ‘not a bad saving’.
