Arsenal new signing could get his first start against Chelsea

Unai Emery believes the player has settled in well at the club

Arsenal completed the signing of midfielder Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria on a 5 year deal for a reported fee of £22 million. He was given the number 11 jersey and officially joined the club on 30th July.

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.

Gunners prioritized the signing of Uruguay International and were in talks with the Italian club for him since before the World Cup in Russia started. They in fact agreed the fee for him with the Serie A club prior the World Cup, and the deal would have been completed sooner had it not been for the Uruguayan’s determination to focus solely on the tournament.

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.

The midfielder joined the Premier League giants late as compared to other new signings due to World Cup came on as a late substitute in the 2-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend.

Emery feels that Torreira has settled well in the club and could give him his first start against Chelsea this weekend.

“Yes, he is OK every day and is training good. He is now with the team and knowing and learning English conversation with us and can understand all the things we want to do tactically on the pitch,” the 46 year old said as quoted by ESPN. “The first match against City he played 15-20 minutes and I think this is good, I want to continue with him improving and to be OK to play.”