The Player Unai Emery Wanted To Sign Before Lucas Torreira Revealed

Arsenal manager Unai Emery wanted to sign Steven Nzonzi from Spanish La Liga side Sevilla last summer before he opted for Lucas Torreira according to the publication from the stables of The Athletic.

The Gunners signed Uruguayan international Lucas Torreira from Italian Serie A outfit Sampdoria in a £22m deal last summer.

On his part, French World Cup winner Steven Nzonzi left Sevilla to join Italian Serie A giants AS Roma last summer.

The aforementioned publication revealed that the Arsenal recruitment team convinced Unai Emery to sign Lucas Torreira who is seven years younger than Steven Nzonzi.

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Unai Emery initially had reservations about the frame, height and physicality of Lucas Torreira as he wanted Steven Nzonzi whom he worked with while he was the Sevilla manager.

In addition, Nzonzi has Premier League experience having played for Stoke City before joining Sevilla.

Lucas Torreira has proven to be a very good signing for Arsenal after impressing in his debut season.

The Uruguayan was a big part of the Arsenal squad that finished the Premier League campaign in fifth position last season and also reached the Europa League final before they were beaten 4-1 by London rivals Chelsea.

Lucas Torreira played for Arsenal during that Europa League final.