Arsenal have identified three players who could replace Lucas Torreira should the Uruguayan leave the Emirates this summer.
The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan in recent weeks, and although the player insists no contact has been made, the Italian giants are thought to be keen on signing him as they make drastic changes to their squad under new boss Marco Giampaolo.
Torreira made a positive impact during his first season with the Gunners, drawing praise for his tenacious and energetic displays in midfield, but could now leave despite having four years left on his contract.
According to a report in the Express, Arsenal have prepared for his possible departure by picking out Amadou Diawara, Dani Ceballos and Giovani Lo Celso as players who could take his place – but would any of them be an upgrade?
Starting with Diawara, the Guinean is a player who has a lot of potential and has shown glimpses of his abilities during his time with current club Napoli.
The 21-year-old is confident on the ball, has a good passing range and is a strong tackler, meaning he could be a useful player at the base of Unai Emery’s midfield, especially if he gets plenty of game time and is given the opportunity to develop his game.
He has been criticised for lapses in concentration and being too casual at times, though, a weakness that could be exposed in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
Diawara also struggled for game time last season, and missed the final few months of the campaign through injury as he failed to capitalise on Jorginho’s departure and cement his place in Napoli’s first eleven.
Meanwhile, Ceballos’ move to Real Madrid hasn’t quite worked out. He has made only 56 appearances in his two years with the club, with half of them coming from the substitutes bench.
He hasn’t managed to make himself a regular in the team or even the matchday squad and is said to be free to move on this summer with a place in Zinedine Zidane’s plans improbable.
However, he is only 22, so time is on his side to get his career back on track, and a move to Arsenal could provide him with a chance to do that.
He is a different type of player to Torreira; the Spaniard plays slightly further forward and is certainly more attack-minded. The Gunners are said to be looking for a creative midfielder, so he could be a good fit.
On the other hand, that would mean there would be less protection for the defence, which for a team who were vulnerable at the back last season isn’t ideal – so maybe Ceballos isn’t the right man.
The third option, Lo Celso, is thought to be a man in demand this summer, with Spurs and Manchester United also linked with a move.
Predominantly a central midfielder, the 23-year-old often plays in attacking midfield too – scoring 16 goals and assisting six last campaign – but is seen as a versatile, box-to-box midfielder who fulfils his defensive duties.
Having an ‘all-rounder’ could be appealing to Arsenal as it is something they don’t have currently. He would allow them to be more unpredictable, change system and tactics mid-match and would make up for the energy lost through Torreira leaving.
He has proved himself in both Ligue 1 and La Liga, which would suggest he is capable of adapting and could cope with the demands of English football.
His price tag may be an issue, with Real Betis set to demand around £67 million for the Argentinian, who only joined them permanently from PSG in April this year.
That fee would take a significant chunk out of Arsenal’s budget, leaving the club hamstrung in regards to chasing other targets.
If it’s a direct replacement for Torreira Emery wants, then Diawara would be the best option to go for as he is a naturally defensive player, while the other two offer very different qualities.
The Gunners may want to move quickly for the Napoli man, though, with AS Roma thought to be close to a deal.
