Lucas Torreira was determined to sign for Atlético Madrid | OneFootball

Lucas Torreira’s heart was always set on a move to Atlético Madrid, according to his agent Pablo Bentancur.

The Uruguayan midfielder joined the LaLiga side on a season-long loan move on transfer deadline day after falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

The deal hit minor complications with the Gunners’ pursuing Atlético’s Thomas Partey in a move that has damaged the relationship between the two clubs.

Atlético didn’t announce Torreira’s arrival until the closing minutes of the transfer window but the 24-year-old only had eyes for one club.

“Arsenal were targeting Thomas Partey and when the two clubs have a different objective it is difficult to be in the middle of the two operations,” Bentancur told Uruguayan radio station Sport 890.

“‘We had other agreed-upon teams such as Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio, who play the Champions League, but Lucas was blunt.

“He told us that his goal was Atletico and that we get it for him and we work for the players.

“He closed all the other possibilities, it either, ‘yes or yes’ to Atletico. Luckily in the end it was done.”

Torreira could be in line to make his Atleti debut against Celta Vigo on Saturday.