It’s not been an exciting transfer window for Arsenal fans thus far, interesting perhaps, but no one is reaching for the party poppers just yet.
That may be about to change this week because Arsenal are on the verge of securing Sampdoria’s defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira for around €25 million, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
The report states that an agreement is close between the clubs and only the time frame of the payment is to be sorted out along with the agent fees.
This transfer would represent a major addition to the squad and complement other signings that have been already completed or that are about to be finalised.
The Uruguayan ankle nibbler is not just a defensive blanket that extinguishes attacks, he is blessed with excellent vision and passing ability.
At first glance, it would appear that the diminutive ace could be pushed aside with ease but he possesses the tenacity of a playful terrier who is intent on retrieving any stray ball or pouncing on a misguided pass.
Arsenal have lacked a purpose built player for this most crucial role and if the pen is committed to paper, it will be a big part of the clubs problem solved.
Torreira is not the complete answer to the issues at hand but at least Emery and Mislintat can now mould the backline knowing that they would have a legitimate force just in front of whatever they assemble.
Yacine Adli is the other candidate that I would personally like to see at Arsenal to add to the existing midfield combinations. Anyone observing him will already know his flair and skill and he would be perfect in the role of creator for the likes of Aubameyang, who it appears is the chosen strike threat.
Names continue to surface in the press, including that of Manchester United’s Fellaini but if we dismiss this as a fantasy purchase the foundations being put in place seem good.
Fellaini with Ozil, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan or Wilshere just seems improbable and if you consider the emergence of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, it seems even more unlikely.
