Torreira determined to leave
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid but he wants to return to South America once the loan spell is over.
It seems that the 25-year-old has no intention of returning to Arsenal at the end of this season and he wants to play for Boca juniors.
Apparently, it was his father’s wish and the midfielder is keen on fulfilling it next year.
Torreira has a contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2023 but he’s hopeful that the two clubs can finalise an agreement that will see him return to South America.
When Arsenal signed the defensive midfielder from Sampdoria he was expected to develop into a quality player but he has struggled to adapt the Premier League and life in England in general.
Torreira said: “I am trying to understand the situation. It is difficult to come to terms with it but as time passes, we will come to live with this pain.
“My mother was 53 years old and died from Covid. There was an outbreak in Fray Bentos (Torreira’s hometown in Uruguay) and she spent 11 days fighting but on Monday morning I received the worst news.
“I asked Atletico for some time off. Cholo (manager Diego Simeone) understood everything and they gave me a week, but I asked to stay for a little longer. On Sunday I will probably return. I have to do my duty and life must continue. Atletico have been very good to me and it’s important.
“It’s not a violent emotion, a crazy decision because of my mother. I have always said that I want to play for Boca. I’m dying to play for Boca and I will always say it. The night my mother died, one of the first to hear the news was my agent. I don’t want to play in Europe anymore, I want to play for Boca.”
Arteta on Lacazette future
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club will decide on the future of Alexandre Lacazette in the summer.
“The situation with Laca we will address in the summer, speak to him and just propose the future we want and that’s it,” Arteta said of Lacazette.
The striker has a contract until 2022 and he has been linked with the likes of Roma, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal cannot afford to lose him on a free transfer at the end of next season and therefore they will have to sell him this summer or extend his contract.
The Frenchman has been in impressive form in recent months and it will be interesting to see what the Gunners decide.
