Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is very close to a loan move to Atletico Madrid, James McNicholas can reveal.
The Athletic understands the Uruguayan will join the La Liga side on a season-long deal, with Atletico holding an option to make the switch permanent.
How close is the deal?
No medical has been arranged as of yet and nothing has been signed, but The Athletic understands the parties involved are understood to be close to an agreement.
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What is the structure of the deal?
Torreira will join Atletico initially on loan with the club granted an option to sign him permanently.
Arsenal had sought to secure a fee for the player this summer, but given the Spanish club’s financial position — Atletico have ongoing payments on their Wanda Metropolitano stadium — they have had to settle for this arrangement.
What has gone wrong for him at Arsenal?
When Torreira was signed from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018, he was initially hailed as the answer to Arsenal’s midfield problems.
His impressive performances in that summer’s World Cup for Uruguay suggested he could bring the tactical discipline and tenacious tackling they needed.
After a bright start, however, Torreira struggled to settle in England. His deployment in an advanced midfield role by Unai Emery did not help matters, and under Mikel Arteta he has been a peripheral figure.
How has the deal come about?
Torreira’s desire to play first-team football has been the driving force behind this deal, and the player is grateful that the club have recognised his wishes.
Technical director Edu has served as Arsenal’s principal point of contact in the negotiations and has shown a willingness to make this deal happen.
For the player’s part, Torreira has been convinced by Diego Simeone that he will play an important role for Atletico next season, and potentially beyond.
Is Thomas Partey involved in the transfer?
No. The deal for Torreira remains distinct from Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Partey.
Although Torreira may look like a potential Partey replacement, the Spanish club are contemplating allowing Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera to leave before the transfer deadline. Signing Torreira does not necessarily indicate a willingness to relinquish Partey.
For most of the summer Atletico have insisted that to acquire Partey, Arsenal would have to trigger his €50 million (£45.7 million) release clause. As yet, there is no indication that position has changed.
Who else will leave Arsenal this window?
There are several Arsenal players whose future is in doubt, principally Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Matteo Guendouzi, and Sead Kolasinac.
It’s also possible that Reiss Nelson could leave the club on the loan.
It promises to be a hectic final few days of the transfer window for Arsenal.
(Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)