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Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira will be offered a choice of two escape routes, one of which would come with a degree of irony, according to reports.

Torreira is on the lookout for another new club after leaving Arsenal on loan for Atletico Madrid last season. Although Atleti won La Liga, Torreira did not particularly enjoy his time in the Spanish capital. He only started three league games across the entire season.

After failing to return to Arsenal for pre-season, despite having two years left on his contract, Torreira is ready to find another new home. He initially thought about returning to South America, but it seems he will be staying in Europe.

He has been linked with Lazio, where he could unite with ex-Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri. That prospect remains on the cards, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

However, the newspaper also claims that intermediaries have offered him to Roma. It would be a move that may raise some eyebrows in north London.

Jose Mourinho wanted to raid Arsenal earlier this summer to reinforce his newly inherited squad. The Roma manager made Granit Xhaka his top target, but it was a transfer saga that dragged on to an indifferent conclusion.

Roma failed to meet Arsenal’s asking price for Xhaka, who is now signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal became somewhat frustrated with the Serie A side’s failure to pay up. It made the prospect of further deals between the two clubs less likely. Although they may be back in negotiations soon after all.

There is a catch, though. Roma would need to sell one or two of their midfielders before they can buy. Meanwhile, their rivals Lazio were recently said to not deem Torreira as a priority purchase.

There are other areas that Sarri wants to strengthen, but they could revisit Torreira themselves before the end of the transfer window.

The Uruguay international previously enjoyed a successful stint in Serie A with Sampdoria. It followed his progression through the ranks in Serie B with Pescara and prompted Arsenal to spend around £26m on him.

It seems unlikely they will be able to recoup such a fee for him now, but the important thing is that there is interest.

Arsenal attacking midfielder hopes grow

Torreira would be unlikely to get many opportunities if he returned to Arsenal. They have signed Albert Sambi Lokonga this summer and he started their opening defeat to Brentford alongside Xhaka.

With the latter committing his future to the club too, the base of their midfield should be set for the season. They also have Thomas Partey working his way back from injury.

But in the final third, Arsenal are still looking for an attacking midfield creator. Emile Smith Rowe was their starter against Brentford and is a long-term prospect. But after losing Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos following their loan spells, they could do with more depth.

They are hopeful of luring Odegaard back, while they have also been considering James Maddison. Leicester look likely to keep the Englishman, though.

There is another alternative on Arsenal’s radar, who already has Premier League experience. And according to reports, their chances of signing him are on the up…

READ MORE: Arsenal hope grows as Barcelona woes point to star’s summer exit

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