According to Spanish reports, Lucas Torreira held conversations with AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho after returning to the Emirates Stadium. Apparently, they discussed a potential summer move to Italy as the Uruguayan midfielder looks set to leave Arsenal.

The 26-year-old midfielder moved to Fiorentina at the beginning of the 21/22 season on a season-long loan deal and has now returned to the North London club. The Italian outfit agreed to pay a transfer fee of £13 million for a permanent transfer, but decided against the move. Despite putting up impressive performances in Italy last season, Fiorentina decided not to trigger the option to buy clause present in the loan deal.

Thus, the defensive midfielder has rejoined Arsenal for the 2022/23 pre-season. The player still has a contract with the Gunners till 2023, but he has made up his mind to leave the Emirates and is looking for a new club. The Uruguayan is now exploring his options and Roma seem to have expressed their interest in signing the midfielder.

According to Spanish publication El Pais (via Evening Standard), AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho made contact with Lucas Torreira and discussed a possible move to the Stadio Olimpico this summer. The Portuguese manager is interested in adding the Uruguayan midfielder to his squad and thus, held transfer talks with the player.

Moreover, the 26-year-old does not see his career moving ahead in the Premier League. He likes the Italian league and would prefer a move that helps him stay in Italy. Nevertheless, he admitted that a move would be difficult this summer, given Arsenal’s asking price. This is what Torreira had to say while speaking to El Pais (via Evening Standard):

“I spoke with Mourinho some time ago. He’s a coach I admire, it’s a possibility that entices me, but it’s not easy.”

Lucas Torreira to Roma is now considered an option as he continues to look for a move away… #Torreira #Arsenal #AFC pic.twitter.com/Hu6V7etQat

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) July 11, 2022

Torreira was not favoured that much in the starting line-up by manager Mikel Arteta. He has displayed his abilities in the Serie A and could continue to do so. However, staying at Arsenal will sabotage his chances of playing regularly. The North London club have since found Thomas Partey and it would be very difficult for Torreira to replace the Ghanaian midfielder.

Why Lucas Torreira Did Not Succeed At Arsenal?

Lucas Torreira was majorly troubled by his small build which is not suited for the Premier League. He plays as a central defensive midfielder where many important battles are won and lost. Moreover, the former Arsenal manager, Unai Emery’s tactics failed to help the player settle down at the Emirates Stadium and continuously struggled under him.

The Uruguayan has improved a lot over the past year. He stays in the centre of the midfield and likes to get involved in almost every other action that takes place in the middle of the park. Torreira did thrive in a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-1-2 formation where he always holds the midfield pivot. He has always wanted to play a very similar role to what he had at Fiorentina.

However, at Arsenal, he had to play besides Granit Xhaka and struggled to play in a double pivot. Current manager Mikel Arteta favours a 4-2-3-1 formation which does not suit the player. Moreover, his stature did not help him to adjust while he went from playing against Manchester City’s tiki-taka one day to engaging Burnley’s long-balls and physical duels on the next, which resulted in his inconsistent displays.

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Exiting the North London side will be the best move for both the club and the player. Lucas Torreira is a player that could suit the style of play at AS Roma. Manager Jose Mourinho likes him because of his on-field persona.

On the other hand, the Gunners will get some funds that they can use to make the requisite signings in order to qualify for the Champions League next season. Arsenal still need quite a few recruitments in order to become a silverware contender and to become a regular CL participant.

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