Arsenal reject an option for Everton
Arsenal are supposedly ready to sell defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira. Could he be an option for Everton as they search for more defensive energy in the middle of the park?
It is a little surprising that Arsenal are prepared to sell Torreira as he’s a solid defensive midfielder who might provide just what Everton have lacked since Idrissa Gueye left.
Torreira joined the north London club in July 2018 and has been in and out of the Arsenal team since then, despite his obvious defensive qualities, something Arsenal certainly need.
However, under Mikel Arteta, Granit Xhaka, who looked like he had fallen out of favour, has been much improved this season in a new formation and he is now the Gunners first-choice defensive midfield ball-winner.
As a result of this, and because Arsenal need to raise funds before they can spend this summer, Arteta is ready to listen to offers for Torreira.
Of course this might throw up some red flags in terms of why this player isn’t getting regular football at the Emirates. And Everton have certainly had their fingers burnt by bringing in former Arsenal players who haven’t exactly thrived since joining Everton!
The Uruguayan player is 24 years old and has plenty of Premier League experience. He is an energetic, box-to-box, ball-winning player, he’s two-footed and has a good nose for the ball.
Torreira’s also got an excellent passing completion percentage, meaning he doesn’t often give the ball away once he’s won it.
On the down side he won’t offer much in terms of goals and assists, although he does get forward quite a lot and discipline is an issue as he picks up quite a few cards as well.
Again he would seem to be more or less an ideal fit if Everton are seeking a direct replacement for Gueye and the particular qualities he offered. He would also again probably slot in well alongside Andre Gomes compliment him and enable him to produce his best.
If the Blues want to sign him they will probably need to move quickly as there are rumours several Italian clubs, AC Milan and Torino are interested in Torreira if he’s for sale.
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So he’s an option for the Toffees, although they might decide to go for a more all-round midfield dynamo type of player.
This is to some extent a question of what tactics Everton want to play.
If Carlo Ancelotti wants to continue to play 4-4-2, then he needs an all-round midfielder who offers more than Torreira in terms of creativity and goals from the middle.
If that’s the route the Blues boss want to go for there are other players more like that such as maybe Aboudaye Doucoure for example.
They are more of the type of dynamic all-round player who will deliver more goals and offensive production and fit into a 4-4-2 formation.
Whatever route the Toffees want to go, I’d like to see some movement by the club very soon in the transfer market as time ticks on and we continue to wait for any indication of new signings.