Torreira says ‘if I have to leave Arsenal it will be for the best’ with club ‘open to transfer’ amid AC Milan interest

LUCAS TORREIRA has fuelled rumours of his potential summer departure from Arsenal in an interview in Uruguay.

The out-of-favour Gunners star claims he will respect his contract but reckons a move "will be for the best".

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Speaking to Sport 890 in his homeland, Torreira said: "Today I need to think about my future very well.

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"I have a contract with the club and I have to respect it, obviously if I have to leave it will be for the best.

"We have to be calm and wait."

The 24-year-old endured a tough second term at the Gunners despite becoming a fan favourite after his £26million arrival from Sampdoria. 

He was often played out of position by axed Unai Emery, then struggled to nail down a starting spot under replacement Mikel Arteta.

In total the Uruguayan featured 29 times in the Premier League, although many of those came off the bench.

He also picked up an ankle injury suffered during an FA Cup clash against Portsmouth in March. 

Earlier this year Torreira piqued interest from Serie A with Napoli keen on bringing the player to Italy in January. 

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Now, however, the Telegraph claim Milan, who finished sixth in Italy’s top football league, are leading the race for the Uruguyan’s signature should Arsenal opt to sell. 

Reports suggest that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could be willing to allow the Uruguay star to leave the Emirates for pastures new. 

The midfield is an area the FA Cup winners are keen to strengthen ahead of next season, with Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey their top target.

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And the club, who have seen Xhaka become a key figure in the centre of the pitch, have been heavily linked with a £45million move for Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey.

They also hope to keep hold of Real Madrid loan star Dani Ceballos who’s become a favourite amongst Gunners fans. 

This week, the club, who are rumoured to be close to sealing a new deal with star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, announced plans to make 55 non-playing staff redundant.