Arsenal complete signing of Torreira

Arsenal have completed the signing of Uruguay international Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria.

Torreira, 22, becomes Arsenal’s fourth acquisition since Unai Emery was appointed as head coach in May.

The defensive midfielder has cost the Gunners a reported £27million and follows Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and Sokratis Papastathopoulos in joining the north London club this summer.

he length of Torreira’s contract was not disclosed by Arsenal.

Torreira played a part in all of Uruguay’s World Cup matches and started their quarter-final defeat to France last Friday.

With midfielders Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla released at the end of their contracts, Torreira’s addition will be seen as key for Emery to bolster his numbers in the middle of the park.

As well as bringing in a quartet of new signings, Arsenal have extended the contracts of Calum Chambers, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Granit Xhaka in recent weeks, while Mohamed Elneny has also agreed to fresh terms since Arsene Wenger stepped aside at the end of last season.

“I feel calm,” Torreira said in his first interview with the club’s media team.

“I am used to coping with this kind of thing in the best possible way. It’s a very positive thing that people want to welcome me. It makes me feel comfortable. Now I am calm and I look forward to the future, which for sure will be very nice.

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