Valencia are discussing a move for Lucas Torreira with Arsenal, who remain keen on fetching decent money for the Uruguayan midfielder.
According to AS, Lucas Torreira is the subject of discussions between Arsenal and Valencia, with the Spanish side keen on signing the Uruguayan in this window. The Gunners are holding firm on their valuation, which could complicate any deal for the cash-strapped La Liga side.
Lucas Torreira’s departure is one of the priority pieces of business for Edu Gaspar. The Gunners have found it tough to offload their unwanted stars, with the Uruguayan midfielder part of a long list of players, including Nicolas Pepe, Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bernd Leno, among others.
In previous windows, the Gunners got rid of some of their star players by paying them off to leave. However, Edu has effectively put a stop to those methods, insisting the process of selling players will see drastic changes as Arsenal hold firm on their valuations.
They recently rejected a bid from Fulham for Leno as it did not meet their valuation, although the German is now close to joining the Cottagers. Arsenal hold a similar stance over other out-of-favour players, including Torreira, who has not found a viable solution since his desired move to Fiorentina collapsed dramatically.
However, his agent had confirmed an agreement with Valencia right before the team flew out for the US tour. And the La Liga giants are now attempting to reach an agreement with Arsenal for the wantaway midfielder.
Rumoured interest from Juventus emerged recently, following which Arsenal reportedly considered involving Torreira as part of the deal to lure Arthur Melo. However, it seems that the Uruguayan and his agent have an understanding with Valencia, and a move could materialise.
Arsenal wanted around €15 million from Fiorentina for Torreira, and considering his performances last season, the value might not have diminished. Valencia’s ability to pay such sums remains in question, although the club are in talks with the Gunners to find an agreement.
From how things look, Torreira might be inclined to move to Valencia, although the price point may hold negotiations back. In the end, it will be prudent for the Gunners to sell the midfielder with a year left on his deal rather than keep him around when he is not wanted by Mikel Arteta.