Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is very close to sealing a move to Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Uruguay.

The 24-year-old is believed to have turned down offers from Torino and Fiorentina after being convinced by Diego Simeone following a phone call with Atletico’s manager.

It was hoped that negotiations over Torreira would open up discussions to Thomas Partey moving in the other direction but it doesn’t seem as though the La Liga club are willing to part ways with the Ghanaian international.

For Torreira, it is a disappointing end to his time in London, which started so promisingly. He had a standout debut season following his £26m move from Sampdoria in 2018, but he has gradually moved down the pecking order since then under successive managers.

Mikel Arteta has not picked him in any matchday squad this season and it is looking like he is now poised to leave the Emirates before the transfer window closes.