Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal handed chance to make profit on Lucas Torreira - but there's a catch
ARSENAL could make a profit on want-away AC Milan transfer target Lucas Torreira, but they may have to wait two years to cash in.
Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira performs impressive flick for Uruguay
AC Milan are considering offering Arsenal £31m (€35m) for midfielder Lucas Torreira, according to Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
But, the deal wouldn’t be completed for a further two years, meaning the Gunners couldn’t immediately use the cash they gain from the sale.
The proposed deal would include £4m (€5m) for a two-year loan deal, with a £27m (€30m) option-to-buy clause.
Torreira has reportedly agreed to a switch to AC Milan, but the clubs are yet to strike a deal.
I don’t know if there are many things that I enjoy [in England]
Arsenal made it clear that Torreira isn’t for sale, despite him revealing that he’s struggled to settle in the Premier League.
Manager Unai Emery believes the Uruguay international is a crucial part of his plan at the Emirates Stadium.
But a large bid could persuade the Gunners hierarchy to cash in on the midfielder, as Emery only has £40m to spend this summer.
Arsenal have slapped a £45m price tag on Torreira, and AC Milan’s £31m bid is likely to be rejected.
AC Milan will be confident of landing their man by the end of the transfer window, after Torreira revealed he was struggling to adapt to life in the UK.
He said: “I don’t know if there are many things that I enjoy [in England].
“I think it was better in Italy. England is a totally different world, a very large country.
“The language [barrier] has stopped me, to be able to relate with my team-mates and with the people.
“It is very difficult when you can’t have dialogue.”
Arsenal bought Torreira from Sampdoria last summer, for £26m, and he was one of Emery’s first signings as the new Gunners boss.
Emery knows that he has to spend big this summer if he wants to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.
Arsenal are desperate to sign Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.
The Gunners have seen an initial £15m bid rejected for the Hoops full-back, but Celtic are holding out for £25m.