LUCAS TORREIRA’s Arsenal exit is reportedly set to fall through, after Boca Juniors opted against making a move.
The Uruguayan fell out of favour under Mikel Arteta last season, moving to Atletico Madrid on loan for the 2020-21 campaign.
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And while he has played regularly for Diego Simeone’s title chasers, Torreira wants to return to South America.
After tragically losing his mother to Covid-19 last month, the 25-year-old wants to be nearer to his family.
His Arsenal contract still has two years to run, however, meaning that a deal will have to be thrashed out.
In an emotional interview with ESPN Argentina, he said: “It’s not a violent emotion, a crazy decision because of my mother. I have always said that I want to play for Boca.
“I’m dying to play for Boca and I will always say it. The night my mother died, one of the first to hear the news was my agent. I don’t want to play in Europe anymore, I want to play for Boca.
“I want to be close to my home, my family. I have a contract at Arsenal and I am on loan at Atletico but I want to go to Boca. I hope the clubs can agree.
“It’s been two years since I was enjoying myself personally, I haven’t had continuity. Arsenal hurt me and at Atletico, I don’t play like I want.”
Boca have reportedly rejected the opportunity, however, as they don’t feel they can afford it.
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El Intransigente claim that they are not willing to pay the £860,000 loan fee that would be required to make the temporary move happen.
Brazilian sides Flamengo and Gremio have been touted as alternative destinations, with Boca having moved on to other targets.
Club president Juan Roman Riquelme now wants to sign former Cardiff City and Inter Milan midfielder Gary Medel from Bologna instead.
Torreira has made 89 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Sampdoria in 2018.
He has played 24 times for Atletico this term, with his side sat top of LaLiga after 31 games.
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