BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 21: Lucas Torreira of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on July 21, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Rui Vieira/Pool via Getty Images)

Fiorentina Tipped to Beat the Competition for Arsenal Misfit

Fiorentina wanted to add a pure deep-lying midfielder this summer, and their search is likely over. They are on the verge of bringing Lucas Torreira back to Italy. The Viola are nearing an agreement with Arsenal on a €1.5M loan with a €15M option to buy, Gianluca Di Marzio reports. He could arrive in town as soon as tomorrow.

According to football.london, the 25-year-old midfielder prioritized returning to Serie A over other options. In particular, Eintracht Frankfurt had shown strong interest and tried to sign him on a permanent deal, Calciomercato.com relays.

Despite having Erick Pulgar and Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina desired to sign a more technical player. Plus, Atalanta and Napoli are tracking the Moroccan international. After flourishing at Sampdoria, Torreira moved to Arsenal in 2018 in a €28.65M move. However, he fell out of favor in the ensuing seasons. The Gunners allowed the player to pick his next destination, and Fiorentina won him over.

Torreira went out on loan to Atletico Madrid in the past campaign. He accumulated 26 appearances and scored once. He was not in Mikel Arteta’s plans and had been practicing individually since returning. Multiple teams eyed him in recent years and earlier in the window. Lazio, Napoli and Roma were after him as well, but Fiorentina acted more quickly.

The Viola also held talks with Barcelona for Miralem Pjanic. However, the Uruguayan international was an easier and cheaper target. Moreover, the Bosnian midfielder prefers waiting since he has multiple proposals on the table, Alfredo Pedullà reports.