Sampdoria confirms Lucas Torreira’s move to Arsenal

The midfielder will complete his transfer after the World Cup is over

Arsenal endured an underwhelming season as they failed to win any silverware in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign. They finished 6th in the Premier League and will miss the Champions League next season.

Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.

The Spaniard has targeted a defensive midfielder ahead of the next season. Both Santi Cazorlan and Jack Wilshere have left the club after their contracts expired which leaves them short in that area.

There were reports that the Premier League giants are on the verge of completing the signing of Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. They have offered him a five-year deal.

The 22 year old has become a key player at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and is ranked among the best defensive midfielders in the league. He has one Uruguay cap and was included in the World Cup squad for the tournament in Russia this summer.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has confirmed that Torreira has left the club to join Arsenal for €30 million. He will leave for the Premier League once the World Cup has finished.

“Sampdoria do not sell unless there are excellent offers,” Ferrero told SportItaliaGoal as quoted by .

“We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose values increase exponentially.

“Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It’s a family-run club and that allows players to grow up. It’s normal they have aspirations to play for big clubs, but I do not need to sell out.

“Torreira has left for €30 million. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed.

“We bet and we won, paying just €3 million. The money that comes in is used to keep the club going.

“Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It’s a family-run club and that allows players to grow up.”

The Uruguay International will become the third signing under the former PSG boss this summer. He has completed the signings of defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and goalkeeper Bernd Leno.