Arsenal loanee Lucas Torreira had agreements with 3 clubs before Atletico Madrid switch, says agent

Lucas Torreira joined Atletico Madrid from Arsenal on the final day of the transfer window on a season-long loan deal. The Uruguayan reportedly turned down offers from three Serie A clubs in favour of a move to Atletico Madrid.

Torreira's switch to Atletico Madrid was overshadowed by the news of Arsenal signing Atletico superstar Thomas Partey on the same day after the Gunners triggered his £45 million release clause.

The midfielder joined Arsenal from Sampdoria in the summer of 2018 for £26 million and had a positive start to life in North London. He was the type of midfielder that Arsenal had been hoping to sign for years, as he quickly endeared himself to the fans.

Torreira's performances at Arsenal were, however, on a steady decline after his first season with the club. Mikel Arteta's arrival saw him fall further down the pecking order at Arsenal, as the Spaniard preferred to use Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos in central midfield.

Arteta prefers midfielders who are strong in possession and did not see a place for the diminutive midfielder in his starting line-up. Torreira was hence made available for transfer by Arsenal this summer, as they looked to raise funds for potential incomings.

OFFICIAL: Lucas Torreira joins Atletico Madrid from Arsenal on a season-long loan 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/HP2Q1fijSS

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 5, 2020

Torreira preferred deadline day switch to Atleti after snubbing Serie A return

Torreia quickly fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Torreira was heavily linked with a move to Italy, but ended up joining Atletico Madrid on deadline day instead.

The 24-year-old's agent Pablo Bentancur opened up about his clients' transfer saga during an interview with 100% Deporte.

"There was an agreement with Fiorentina, Roma, and Lazio, but Lucas Torreira only wanted Atletico Madrid."

There were claims of a permanent exit to Serie A for Torreira, a scenario that would have suited Arsenal even better, as they would have received a substantial fee for the midfielder.

Lucas Torreira has moved in the opposite direction to Thomas Partey, joining Atletico Madrid on loan 🔄

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 5, 2020

Torreira's agent also confirmed that Atletico Madrid do not have the option to sign his client permanently.

"No agreement was found, now everything will depend on his performance. There is no purchase option because Arsenal had to pay the clause."

The midfielder will look to get regular game time under his belt for Diego Simeone's side, as Atletico Madrid prepare to compete on all fronts this season.