Two Signs Showing Lucas Torreira Will Join Arsenal

Like I said earlier, Arsenal are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for restructuring. Since the arrival of Unai Emery, we have been hit with a lot of changes like the massive retrenchment of a number of backroom staff and swift player recruitments. We have had three completed transfers into the club since early June, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos. We're close to sealing a fourth who is the one this post is centred on.

Arsenal from all indications have laid their hands on a defensive midfielder. Don't tell anyone I authoritatively told you we have signed Lucas Torreira already. I never said so. Lol!

As usual, we read of our interest in the Uruguay international and those who have followed closely would by now have that confidence to say that the deal is almost done. There is no official confirmation on this yet but there are two signs pointing towards that direction. First is the confession by Sampdoria President and the next is Torreira's remarks.

As regards the first, Massimo Ferrero gave a great hint to the media and the whole footballing world when he declared that the 22-year-old who is presently in Russia to represent his side at the on-going World Cup is no longer an employee at Sampdoria. The club President further stated that he has been sold for a fee of €30 million. Look at this closely and you will be right if you say that he is heading to the Emirates Stadium because the figure in Ferrero's revelation was the same Arsenal reportedly offered for the star few weeks ago.

That said, there is another clue to the puzzle and this came from Torreira himself during a chat with journalists at the end of Uruguay's 1-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia where he adjudged Arsenal as 'one of the most important teams in the world' despite answering "No, I don't know" when asked if he will be playing under Emery next season.

It is normal for him to play down any links with Arsenal for now since he is on international duty and wouldn't like any distractions. Besides, his new club have still not given any update on his acquisition so I understand why he is still keeping his lips sealed.

Is Perreira now an Arsenal player? Is he not? We will get the answer to the following question when the perfect time comes. Until then…