Starting just 12% of La Liga games under Diego Simeone this season, it’s fair to say that Lucas Torreira’s loan from Arsenal to Atlético Madrid hasn’t gone to plan.
The Uruguay international was sent to Spain following the high-profile transfer of Thomas Partey, and there was genuine hope of him succeeding under the Argentine manager with his determined attitude.
That, however, wasn’t to be, as the 25-year-old has only managed 15 appearances in the league, scoring one goal, and there’s a good chance he will return to the Emirates in the summer.
It’s not entirely guaranteed, though, as AS in Spain explain there are now 10 games left in the season in the league, which will determine some of the deals Atlético Madrid do in the summer.
They explain ‘the future of several footballers is at stake’, including Torreira, who, alongside Moussa Dembélé, has the most to prove.
The striker has a purchase clause in his deal with Lyon, but the Arsenal man doesn’t, meaning any transfer, should Atlético want to keep him, would have to negotiated from scratch with Edu Gaspar.
There’s a lot riding on the coming weeks, but if they are to match what has happened so far this season for Torreira, then he’ll be on a plane back to London sooner rather than later.
