Lucas Torreira would have joined Napoli if Ancelotti arrived sooner, says agent

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Arsenal newcomer Lucas Torreira would currently be donning the light blue colours of Napoli had Carlo Ancelotti arrived at the club sooner, the player’s agent has revealed.

Torreira, 22, became the third signing of the Unai Emery era after enjoying two stellar campaigns with Sampdoria in Serie A, as well as helping Uruguay reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

There are high expectations for the pint-sized pivot in north London, though the Fray Bentos-born midfielder could have stayed on Italian soil had Napoli appointed Ancelotti sooner.

The Serie A runners-up were in a state of flux over the summer, as Maurizio Sarri’s imminent move to Chelsea stalled due to complications regarding Antonio Conte’s future in west London.

As a result, it would seem the Blues have done their London rivals a massive favour, as the Gunners were free to swoop in and secure Torreira’s signature.

Speaking to Radio CRC (via CalcioMercato), Torreira’s agent admits talks between his client and Napoli hit a stumbling block, as the managerial uncertainty surrounding the club deterred them.

He said: “Napoli? It’s really too bad. Ancelotti wasn’t in place yet when the talks were ongoing between the involved parties.

“He could’ve been a great mentor and coach for Lucas but as my client told me, talks were too advanced with Arsenal at that point in time.

“If his move to Arsenal would’ve collapsed then a move to Napoli would’ve been perfect for him. In the end, the gunners satisfied our demands and they even were willing to pay 5 million euros more than his release clause.

“EPL? He is adapting well to the league and he is happy to be here with Arsenal.”

Torreira’s season so far

Arsenal’s lack of a midfield enforcer has hindered the club for the better part of this decade, so there is a lot of expectation riding on the shoulders of Torreira in bringing diligence and bite back to the centre of the park.

Despite this, the 22-year-old is yet to start a match under Emery, beginning all three games he’s played so far on the bench.

The former PSG coach has opted for a central midfield partnership of Granit Xhaka and teenage midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with the club winning one match, and losing two, albeit against Chelsea and Man City.

Torreira has been used as a substitute in all three matches, though he will be hoping to receive a start this weekend when the Gunners take on Cardiff in Wales.

The post Lucas Torreira would have joined Napoli if Ancelotti arrived sooner, says agent appeared first on Squawka News.



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