Lucas Torreira transfer confirmed as Arsenal land Uruguay midfielder in £22million deal from Sampdoria

Lucas Torreira has completed his move to Arsenal, with new Gunners chief Unai Emery delighted to welcome a player he believes is one of the game’s brightest young talents.

The Uruguayan midfielder becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer in a deal believed to be worth £22million.

Torreira arrives from Sampdoria having jetted into London to undergo a medical following Uruguay’s World Cup exit.

The 22-year-old caught the eye with some impressive performances in Russia as Oscar Tabarez’s side reached the quarter-finals before losing to France. Torreira played his part in all five of La Celeste’s fixtures.

Gunners boss Emery said: “In Lucas Torreira, we have signed a young player who is a very bright talent in the game.

“A midfielder with great quality, I have enjoyed watching his performances for Sampdoria in the past two seasons, and we all saw him do very well for Uruguay in the World Cup.

“He is a young player already with good experience, but who wants to keep on growing. We welcome Lucas to Arsenal and look forward to him joining us soon for pre-season.”

A statement released by the Italian club declared: “UC Sampdoria announces that it has relinquished the rights to the sports performances of the player Lucas Sebastián Torreira to Arsenal FC.

“The Uruguayan midfielder – 74 appearances and 4 goals in his experience as a blucerchiato – is sincerely thanked for the commitment shown in these two seasons and wished the greatest of luck for the rest of his career by President Massimo Ferrero and all the company.”

He is Emery’s latest recruit following the arrivals of Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Emery was eager to add reinforcements in midfield following the departures of Jack Wilshere, who has joined West Ham, and Santi Cazorla, who has returned to Spain with Villarreal.

Torreira will take the No.11 shirt that has been vacated by Mesut Ozil this summer, with the German taking No.10 after Wilshere’s exit.

“I feel very happy,’ said the Uruguayan. “I want to make the most of this opportunity life has given me. I am really and looking forward to starting this new adventure.”

Arsenal are also set to complete a deal for Lorient youngster Matteo Guendouzi.

Arsenal have agreed a £7million fee with the Ligue 2 side with Guendouzi earmarked as a potential star for the future.

The 19-year-old midfielder also underwent a medical on Monday ahead of his move to the Emirates.