Lucas Torreira was very close to joining Napoli before eventually deciding on a switch to Arsenal, reveals his agent, and the "change in role has not made him happy."
Raffaele Bentancur was speaking to Italian radio station Radio Marte about his client and how a deal almost happened two summers ago.
Lucas Torreira was very close to joining Napoli before eventually deciding on a switch to Arsenal, reveals his agent, and the "change in role has not made him happy."
Raffaele Bentancur was speaking to Italian radio station Radio Marte about his client and how a deal almost happened two summers ago.
"It is true, Napoli wanted him, but there was economic distance between their offer and Arsenal's. Carlo Ancelotti personally tried to take him to Naples and if talks with Arsenal had broken down, he would've gone to Napoli. However Arsenal was his choice, English football was more suited to his skills."
Torreira's career has stuttered since joining Arsenal, and has been relegated to the bench this season, so can Bentancur envisage the Uruguyan some day pulling on the Napoli shirt?
"Anything is possible in football. Torreira is happy at Arsenal, although the change in role has not made him happy. It must be said that this year the whole team is not doing well. But I believe Arsenal wants to keep him."
Bentancur then revealed Torreira was upset at not getting that move from Sampdoria to Napoli.
"Torreira felt bad about missing out on the move to Naples. Why? Because he is Uruguyan, and because he wants to close his career at Boca Juniors, and Napoli is very similar in atmosphere to Boca."
It was reported this week that Napoli would look towards the Uruguyan for a deal if they decide to move Brazilian midfielder Allan on in January, who was reported to be among one of the ringleaders in the player mutiny last week.
Torreira played for Sampdoria for two seasons, and made 71 appearances.