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Midfielder Lucas Torreira has left Arsenal to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a permanent deal.
THE LOWDOWN: TOPSY-TURVY TIME AT ARSENAL
Arsenal paid £25m for Lucas Torreira in 2018, with the combative midfielder brought in by former manager Unai Emery. The Uruguayan quickly became a hit at the Emirates and the highlight of his best moments came when he bagged a goal in a north London derby victory over Tottenham.
However, he soon fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta and had to leave the club on a temporary basis, spending time away at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina on loan.
Of recent, Torreira had made it clear that he was seeking an exit from the club, amid several reports that the midfielder never really settled in London.
After much talk and speculation over his future, the 26-year-old has now been granted his wish and will now look to establish himself in his new side.
THE LATEST: TORREIRA JOINS GALATASARAY
Arsenal received an offer for Torreira days ago, with Galatasaray setting their sights on the Uruguay international. Given that both player and club were keen for an exit to happen, negotiations proceeded swiftly and a deal was agreed in no time.
His exit has now been finalised and he will join a Galatasaray outfit who have also recruited former Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
A statement on Arsenal’s official website read: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Lucas for his contribution during his time with us. We wish Lucas and his family the best of health and happiness in their new chapter with Galatasaray.
“The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
Galatasaray also revealed that Torreira has signed a four-year contract with the club, with Arsenal expected to pocket somewhere in the range of £5.5m for the transfer.
A statement read: “An agreement has been reached with professional football player Lucas Sebastian Torreira Di Pascua and his club The Arsenal Football Club PLC on the transfer of the player. Accordingly, a transfer fee of 6,000,000 Euros will be paid to the former club of the player.”
“An agreement has been reached with the player himself for 4 seasons, starting from the 2022-2023 football season. Accordingly, a net 2.750.000 Euro seasonal wage will be paid to the player for each football season.”
THE VERDICT: GOOD MOVE FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED
According to reports, Arsenal are still looking to bring in one more midfielder before the transfer window ends and Torreira’s sale sort of backs up that claims.
Mikel Arteta recently stressed that his squad was too ‘big’ and players would need to be sold before the window closes. Lucas Torreira becomes the seventh Arsenal man to depart this summer, with some other notable names including Matteo Guendouzi and Bernd Leno, who recently left for Fulham.
Pablo Mari is another name close to leaving the club. Overall, it shows that Arsenal have not only done great business in terms of additions but also in terms of outgoings.
With Torreira’s sale, Arsenal continue to free up space for the likely addition of one more name, while the midfielder joins a club where he is expected to get first-team football, making it a win-win situation for all parties.
