Arsenal refuse to back down in Lucas Torreira negotiations as Fiorentina end pursuit

Lucas Torreira and Arsenal Fitness coach Barry Solan after the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 01, 2020 in London, England.

Arsenal’s refusal to compromise in their negotiations to sell Lucas Torreira has led to Fiorentina pulling out of the race to sign the midfielder, according to reports in Italy. 

The Gunners are open to selling the Uruguay international this summer as Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his midfield options with the arrival of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid. 

However, Atletico will only allow the Ghana international to leave if his €50m (£43m) release clause is met and the Gunners are currently unable to match that fee. 

Arsenal have held talks to sell Torreira in order to bolster their funds and Fiorentina believed they were closing in on a deal for the 24-year-old.

However, Firenze Viola reports that Fiorentina have now ended negotiations with Arsenal after the Gunners refused to budge over their asking price. 

Arsenal are demanding €30m (£26.9m) for the Uruguayan and have turned down Fiorentina’s offer of €25m (£22.4m) to be paid in two installments.

However, Torreira, who was signed by Arsenal from Sampdoria for £26m in 2018, is also wanted by Torino. 

Torino are now managed by Marco Giampaolo, who worked with Torreira at Sampdoria, and the Italian is keen to be reunited with the midfielder. 

Speaking last week, Giampaolo’s brother, Federico, confirmed that Torino are interested in a move.

“Taking Torreira will be very difficult because it is an operation that involves a great outlay from the club,” he told Tuttosport.

“And it is a negotiation unrelated to the simple will of the player, so many factors come into play. But in football, you never know.

“Maybe Marco convinces him, and [Davide] Vagnati [Torino’s sporting director] gets a yes from Arsenal: everyone in Turin wishes him well.

“It is a city that lives on football and Torreira can ignite enthusiasm like few other players.”