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Edu: Torreira could return to Arsenal early
Emmet Gates
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:55 BST
- 2 min read
Arsenal’s sporting director Edu says on-loan midfielder Lucas Torreira could return to the club from Atletico Madrid earlier than expected.
The Uruguayan midfielder joined the Spanish side on a season-long loan in the final days of the summer transfer window, but Torreira hasn’t settled in the capital.
The 24-year-old has only played seven games for Atletico this season. Aside from missing three games due to testing positive for Covid-19, Torreira has been fit, but seemingly hasn’t impressed boss Diego Simeone.
The Gunners’ sporting director Edu was speaking to Spanish outlet AS, and stated that the club may consider cutting the loan agreement short.
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“The situation is very simple. Arsenal are concerned about Torreira, his happiness, that he plays and that he is well,” he said.
“We want to know about him how he feels and, later, of course, know what Atletico thinks. For us, Lucas and his happiness is what’s more important.
“If everyone is happy, we will continue like this, if Lucas is not well, we will look for a change because there are many teams that are calling me to ask about the player’s situation.”
Torreira signed for the club from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018, and after impressing in his first season in London, he suffered in his second campaign.
It was thought the Uruguayan had problems acclimatising to England, which included language issues.
He had been linked with a return to Serie A before switching to Atletico, with Fiorentina, Lazio and Torino all seriously interested in the midfielder.
Arsenal paid around £26 million to bring him to the Emirates ahead of the 2018/19 season. Torreira played 50 times in the campaign, scoring two goals.
Injuries curtailed his second season, and he was deemed surplus to requirements under new coach Mikel Arteta.
If Torreira is brought back, it remains to be seen whether he would receive any playing time under Arteta.
