The midfielder was Gunners fourth signing this summer
Arsenal completed the signing of midfielder Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria in a deal believed to be worth £22 million. He will wear the number 11 shirt, already has been at the club for a medical and will now have a post-World Cup break and join up with the squad in early August.
Unai Emery targeted a defensive midfielder ahead of the next season. The lack of a natural screening presence behind Granit Xhaka or Aaron Ramsey has often seemed to unbalance the team in recent seasons.
The Spaniard told Official Arsenal Website : “In Lucas Torreira, we have signed a young player who is a very bright talent in the game. A midfielder with great quality, I have enjoyed watching his performances for Sampdoria in the past two seasons, and we all saw him do very well for Uruguay in the World Cup. He is a young player already with good experience, but who wants to keep on growing. We welcome Lucas to Arsenal and look forward to him joining us soon for pre-season.”
Gunners prioritized the signing of Torreira and were in talks with the Italian club for him since before the World Cup in Russia started.
The 22 year old impressed for Uruguay during the World Cup and featured in all of their 5 matches. But his campaign came to an end as they were defeated 2-0 by France in the quarter-finals.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the club have made an excellent signing to the squad but feels that the the Uruguay international will take some time to adjust in the Premier League.
‘Great momentum in this window, Wright wrote on Twitter.
‘Sokratis and Lichtsteiner’s age and experience balanced off with one (maybe two) exciting young players.
‘Great season & WC for Torreira and he could slot straight in but will need some time to settle. Patience key.’
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