AC Milan Express Interest In This Arsenal Ace: Will This Departure Help Mikel Arteta? | OneFootball

According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, AC Milian have expressed interest in Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira. The Italian giants are keen on signing the midfielder, who is favoured by club executive Ivan Gazidis. Although Milan is believed to be the likely destination for Torreira, they could possibly face a bit of competition from league rivals Fiorentina. In this article, however, we will discuss why the departure of Torreira could be a boon for the Gunners.

Lucas Torreira: A misfit under Mikel Arteta

One of the Mikel Arteta greatest accomplishments, during his short spell at Arsenal, has been the rejuvenation of the club’s midfield department. Players like Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos have thrived under the Spaniard this season, becoming a key component in his tactical philosophy. However, one player who has failed to enjoy the benefit of Arteta’s midfield revolution is Torreira.

The Uruguayan international has often struggled with injuries throughout his spell in the Premier League. He has also had difficulties tuning in with the English culture. But more importantly, Torreira has been a clear misfit under Arteta’s tactical setup at Arsenal.

Indeed, the ex-Sampdoria star has failed to find the right balance between attack and defence, which has caused a lot of confusion. As a result, the Arsenal manager has found it challenging to assign a proper role for him, in central midfield. He wasn’t helped by the emergence of Ceballos either, meaning that the midfielder could only muster eight league starts under Arteta this past season.

Why Torreira’s departure could help Arsenal

Given the tactical incompatibility Torreira has found at Arsenal, a move away from Emirates is by far the most logical option for the player at the moment. It could help him revive his career, with Milan emerging as quite an attractive destination. However, it is Arsenal who could really benefit from his departure and for good reasons.

There is no secret that the Gunners are keen on adding more reinforcements in the midfield unit this summer. The sale of players like Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi, in that regard, should help them finance a move for their transfer targets and it could be necessary now more than ever due to financial damage inflicted by the Coronavirus.

Additionally, the departure of Torreira could also pave the way for youngsters like Joe Willock to gain a more prominent role in the starting lineup. However, Arteta is more than likely to look for alternatives in the market as he ushers in a new era at Emirates next season.