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Arsenal expected to announce £26m arrival as Emery closes-in on third summer signing

By on June 25, 2018

According to a report in the Express, Arsenal are expected to announce the signing of Lucas Torreira in a £26m deal from Sampdoria as Unai Emery continues his squad overhaul.

We’ve already wrapped-up the signing of experienced right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus while goalkeeper Bernd Leno has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, Emery is also in the market for at least one central midfielder as Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere will be leaving when their contracts expire at the end of the month and we’ve been strongly linked with a move for Torreira in recent weeks.

Widespread reports have suggested we’ve been in talks to sign the Uruguayan international and the Daily Star via the Express claims Arsenal are now expected to announce Torreira’s signing.

The newspaper says Arsenal saw an initial £22m offer rejected by Sampdoria but a deal was eventually struck closer to £26m [€30m] with the Italian clubs president Massimo Ferrero appearing to confirm the deal last week.

Ferrero is quoted by the Express as saying:

“Torreira has left for €30million. I bought him from Pescara when no-one believed [in his ability].

“We bet and we won, paying just €3million. The money that comes in is used to keep the club going.”

Torreira gave little away when quizzed about the reports but he did call Arsenal one of the biggest clubs in the world and said his future would be resolved after the World Cup.

When asked about a move to Arsenal, Torreira is quoted by the Express as saying:

“No I don’t know what is happening because the most important thing right now is the national team and our progress at the World Cup.

“Yes I know Arsenal is a good team – one of the biggest in the world – but right now I am wearing the shirt of my country and my focus is the national team.

“After the tournament is over it will all be clear but I am not looking at that moment yet.

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop but judging by the various reports and comments, I think a deal has been agreed in principal for Torreira to join Arsenal and it will be wrapped-up once he’s finished playing for his country in Russia.

MORE: Update on Arsenal’s £16m defender deal

The 22-year-old has been one of the best defensive midfielders in Serie A in recent years and he’s known for his ability to win the ball back and tenacity in front of the back four so I think he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad.