Despite what is being peddled by some members of the English media, Lucas Torreira to Arsenal isn’t that big of a thing in Italy at the moment.
That’s not to say the interest isn’t there, it’s just that nothing is all that close, largely due to the fact no offers have arrived on Sampdoria’s desk.
The Serie A club’s president made the situation very clear over the weekend when talking to Rai Sport, relayed by Inter-News.it, saying: “Lucas Torreira has a release clause. Everyone knows it. Whoever wants to take Torreira will have to work with that release clause: €25m.”
The last time we saw Arsenal mentioned seriously alongside the Uruguayan midfielder’s name was on Saturday in Gazzetta dello Sport, where it was claimed the Gunners’ interest was taken seriously.
Since then, not a lot has emerged.
Il Mattino in Italy also remind everyone Napoli have been long term admirers of the young footballer, with the World Cup a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
Considering the player’s situation, and the fact Sampdoria aren’t interested in negotiating anything below Torreira’s release clause, it all comes down to one thing: the Premier League club stumping up the cash.
If they bid €25m, the Serie A side won’t have a choice but to accept, and then it’s up to Raul Sanllehi to offer the 22-year-old a contract the defensive midfielder can’t refuse.
It doesn’t matter if Arsenal are ‘prepared to meet the release clause’, or whatever other line is being used, because until that actually happens, there really isn’t a lot to talk about.
