Arsenal are preparing to tempt Roma with an opening £27million bid for midfielder Amadou Diawara after abandoning their pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey.
Mikel Arteta has largely focused his efforts so far this summer on strengthening his defence. After securing new deals for Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and David Luiz, Arsenal are preparing to announce the signing of Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille imminently.
With captain and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to commit his future to the club, Arteta’s most pressing concern now centres on bolstering his central midfield.
With Mateo Guendouzi still in exile and Dani Ceballos back at Real Madrid after a successful loan spell in north London, Granit Xhaka represents the only senior and in favour midfielder available to Arteta ahead of Saturday’s Community Shield against Liverpool at Wembley.
Torreira shone during his first season at Arsenal following his £24million move from Sampdoria but struggled when Unai Emery deployed him in a more attacking role at the start of last term.
The Uruguay international, who is also interesting the likes of Fiorentina and AC Milan, featured prominently during the early part of Arteta’s reign but struggled to win his place back after recovering from an ankle injury.
Roma, themselves, are interested in signing the 24-year-old and, according to Corriere dello Sport, would be willing to entertain the possibility of a swap deal involving the combative Diawara who impressed last season following his move from Napoli.
Ghana international Partey had been Arsenal’s first choice to bolster their midfield but are not in a position to activate his £50m release clause and the 27-year-old now looks likely to sign a new contract.
