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Arsenal transfer news: Lucas Torreira could cost up to £45m for one reason - expert
ARSENAL transfer target Lucas Torreira could cost the Gunners up to £45m, football finance expert Kieran Maguire claims.
The Gunners are set to sign the Sampdoria defensive midfielder, 22, this summer.
Reports today claimed Arsenal’s medical team were willing to fly out to Russia to complete Torreira’s medical ahead of a £26m move.
However, the Uruguay international snubbed the Gunners’ request, claiming he’s in no rush to push through the deal.
And football finance expert Maguire says Sampdoria could now ask for up to £45m after Torreira impressed at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
He told the Daily Star: "From Arsenal's point of view - they are competing against teams who are already in the Champions League.
In terms of Torreira, it all depends on his World Cup performance
"The only advantage they have is that they're based in London and that's a huge attraction for players.
"But in terms of Torreira, it all depends on his World Cup performance.
"So far he's had a storming couple of games, so whoever owns him at the moment [Sampdoria] are instantly looking for an extra £15m to £20m on top of his price at the start of the tournament.
Arsenal fans are comparing Sampdoria's Torreira to Cazorla
"That's why we've seen the transfer window dry up while players are in Russia."
Should Arsenal sign Torreira, he would become Unai Emery's fourth summer signing.
The midfielder would follow Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Bernd Leno and Stephan Lichtsteiner to the Emirates.