Arsenal will be wrong to let Lucas Torreira leave

It is no secret that Arsenal is currently in a transition period and will be looking to sell a number of players this term to raise funds.

The Gunners certainly need a rebuild after enduring a pretty miserable campaign after January, with not achieving a Champions League place after being in a favourable position and losing the Europa League to London rivals, Chelsea.

They have been linked with a number of defensive and wing targets, however, have yet to fail to make a single signing in the close season.

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That shouldn’t be a worry amongst the fan base though, with the talk of a departure more concerning amongst supporters.

According to Italian publication, Mediaset, AC Milan have made Lucas Torreira their prime target this summer as Marco Giampaolo looks to be reunited with the Uruguayan after spending time at Sampdoria.

The finer details of the deal are reportedly a two-year loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the two-years. However, Arsenal is holding out for a permanent option now or an obligatory purchase clause at the end of the loan transfer.

Although the deal would put a figure of £40-45 million back in the budget, the North London club cannot afford to lose a defensive midfielder, especially when there are limited quality options to replace.

Arsenal has struggled with that position ever since Patrick Vieira left the club, with Francis Coquelin never filling that promise and the current crop of Granit Xhaka or Mateo Guendozi being more creative than defending than their own goal.

The Gunners iconic attacking playing style requires a defensive midfielder and their absence of a Premier League trophy ever since Vieira shows. Torreira is that person, although there’s a limited chance of winning the Premier League in the coming years.

He’s the man the team should be built around.

Torreira epitomises a tough tackling defensive midfielder and has been excellent at breaking up play and beginning attacks in the first half of the season. The second part, his performances had dipped and went hand-in-hand with Arsenal’s form, so fans can be forgiven for wanting to cash in on the Uruguayan for the right price.

But that is likely to prove a mistake in the long run, particularly after letting Aaron Ramsey leave on a free transfer.

They will also be left with a shortage of experienced midfielders, especially with defensive qualities, in the team and will have to look at pushing the youngsters of Joe Willock or Guendozi into regular action.

The other option could be Calum Chambers after he shone for Fulham in the centre back and defensive midfield position.

Although media outlets are reporting he has expressed a desire to leave the club this term, the Unai Emery should block the move if the club has any ambitions moving forward.