LUCAS TORREIRA has again pleaded with Arsenal to let him join Boca Juniors and suggested the Gunners could sanction a one-year loan deal.
The Uruguayan midfielder is desperate to return to South America after the death of his 53-year-old mother from Covid-19.
The 25-year-old is on loan at Atletico Madrid but is pushing for a move to the Argentine side after what he describes as two unhappy years in his career.
In his latest bid to quit Europe, Torreira told YouTube channel Perfil Bulos: “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.”
Last week Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was ‘not the moment’ to sell Torreira after his emotional request.
The Spaniard said: “We have spoken to him and we know how difficult a time this is for him. He was really attached to his mum and he’s really attached to his family.
“It’s a hard time for him and emotionally there is a lot of thoughts that will go through his mind. When things are like that, it’s not the moment to make decisions.
“I understand how he’s feeling emotionally. He probably feels the need and responsibility to be closer to his family.
“But it’s not the moment to make any decisions and it certainly is a decision that has to be made by different parties. Now, nothing is going to change. It’s just an interview with some comments. Let’s see what happens.
“We know that when you recruit a player from a foreign country, when they have that struggle sometimes to adapt to a new culture, a new language, a new way of doing things.
“This risk is there and then you have to be able to manage that risk and make the right decisions at the right time.”
Reports suggested the Gunners would let Torreira leave in the summer for a cut-price £15million having signed him for £26m in 2018.
But the latest speculation suggested a move to Boca was ‘unlikely’ and Torreira could be stuck.
According to local media TyC Sports, Arsenal are willing to allow Torreira to move on loan, but would demand a £1m fee and expect his £75,000-a-week wages to be paid in full.
Torreira grew up in Fray Bentos, close to the Argentine border, and supported Boca as a boy.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
