Lucas Torreira’s Father Admits Arsenal Return Possible

Lucas Torreira’s father has not ruled out an Arsenal return.

The 24-year-old signed for Atletico Madrid this summer after getting dropped to a sporadic role at North London.

Arsenal did manage to send him out without including a buy-back option. Atletico Madrid would have ideally liked to sign him for the £22m valuation that was put up but might have to negotiate with Arsenal.

“Lucas has a huge heart and puts a lot of effort into everything he does,” Torreira’s father told Libertad Digital. “That’s why he’s not one of the players who likes to be on the bench waiting for minutes.

“He needs to show what he can give on the pitch. He’s encouraged with the game. And that happened at Arsenal. Lucas is honest and wants to leave his soul on the pitch, but that is defined by the coaches and for the current Arsenal manager he didn’t count.

“Lucas wasn’t on the bench because he wanted to be there, but by decision of his coach. For a 24-year-old boy, recognised in Uruguay and around the world, the most necessary thing is to play.

“Arsenal decided that he wouldn’t have minutes, but we promise, God willing if everything goes well and if there’s a coach at Arsenal who loves him when his contract with Atlético ends, he’ll leave his soul there again if they want him.”

Torreira almost definitely does not have a place under Mikel Arteta, especially after the capture of Thomas Partey by the Gunners. Unless he manages to prove there is more to his game, it is unlikely the midfielder will ever return to play for Arsenal again.