Arsenal Transfer: Torreira eyeing exit, Bellingham transfer mistake, transfer battle for Serie A starlet

Dries Mertens-Napoli

Lucas Torreira wants Arsenal exit

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira, currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, has opened up about his future, stating that he wants to seal a transfer to Argentine club Boca Juniors.

Torreira’s loan spell at Atletico has been underwhelming this season, going down the pecking order of Diego Simeone. 

However, the Uruguayan has insisted that he doesn’t want to return to the Emirates Stadium and also requested Mikel Arteta to sanction a loan move to Boca Juniors.

“I want to go to Boca Juniors now. I am 25 years old and I know it’s a club that plays for great targets.

“I’d like to make the fans happy but I know it’s not easy. Boca should reach an agreement with Arsenal for a one-year loan.”

Lucas Torreira: “I want to go to Boca Juniors now. I am 25 years old and I know it’s a club that plays for great targets. I’d like to make the fans happy... but I know it's not easy. Boca should reach an agreement with Arsenal for a one-year loan.” [@federicobulos]

Bellingham transfer mistake 

Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham took the centre stage after impressing in the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City.

The young midfielder netted a goal although the German side fell short in the end.

Perhaps, Bellingham was within the reach of the Gunners before he moved to Dortmund, revealed by former defender Tony Adams last year.

Adams had also explained the reason for the failed pursuit, stating that Arsenal Sporting director Edu wasn’t aware of Bellingham during that time.

“I think it got lost, this one, in the transition of the chief scout [Steve Morrow] at Arsenal going out.

“He was spotted very early on, not by me, by the Arsenal recruitment office. The chief scout was absolutely bowled over by him and the great prospect that he is.

“He had more or less done the deal, but at that moment the new sporting director Edu came in from Brazil and had no European experience and no UK experience.

“I think it got lost in the transition, Edu didn’t know anything about this player.”

Twitter Reaction

Three-way transfer battle for Dries Mertens

Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly in the quest for Napoli striker Dries Mertens this summer, as the Italian club has decided to sever ties with the Belgian due to his expensive wages.

The 33-year-old was close to moving to Premier League last summer, especially Chelsea, but he ended up staying in Italy.

Spurs and Arsenal have Napoli forward Dries Mertens ‘in their sights’ ahead of the summer transfer window. (Voetbal24)