Torreira was impressive for Uruguay while on duty during the 2018 World Cup in Russia and subsequently earned himself a £26 million move from Sampdoria to the Emirates Stadium this summer. He was the most expensive summer signing made by new Gunners boss Unai Emery during the summer transfer window, and this means that he is likely to play a big role in the Gunners first-team plans this season.
The agent of Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has admitted that he would have liked his client to have joined Napoli instead of the Gunners.
Napoli were one of the club’s that was also in the running to sign Torreira. However, any deal for the player by the Italian outfit was eventually killed due to the managerial uncertainty at the club at the end of last season. Maurizio Sarri eventually left his post as manager of Napoli to link up with Chelsea and former Real Madrid and AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti has since replaced him.
Torreira’s agent, Pablo Bentacur, does feel that Napoli would have been an ideal environment for his client.
As quoted by Metro, he said: ‘It’s a pity, I’m sorry Ancelotti wasn’t there at the start of the negotiations,’
‘He’d have been a great help for Torreira, he has tremendous international experience.’
‘But then Lucas called me and he confirmed to me that negotiations with Arsenal were too advanced for any second thoughts. ‘If Arsenal had collapsed then Napoli would have been perfect.’
Torreira has yet to start any of Arsenal’s League games so far this season. However, after a strong showing off the bench during the Gunners win against West Ham last weekend, the South American will stand a good chance of starting when the Gunners play against Cardiff City on Sunday.
