Serie A side Fiorentina have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira in the summer transfer window.
The Uruguayan international has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
Torreira was sent on loan to La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in October but after starting just three league matches under Diego Simeone, there were talks that his temporary deal would be cancelled.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 25-year-old looks set to return to Italy this summer with Fiorentina having already made headway over a potential deal to sign the midfielder.
The Florence outfit are understood to be 'well ahead' in talks with Torreira, who has given the Gunners the 'green light' to complete the transfer.
Even though Fiorentina are currently leading the race, Atletico do have the chance to make Torreira's loan deal permanent, although it appears unlikely the Spanish giants will take up that option given how little the Uruguayan has featured this campaign.
Torreira, who joined Arsenal from Italian side Sampdoria in 2018 for a deal worth around £26m, has made 89 appearances for the London club and was part of the squad who lifted the FA Cup last season.
Oliver Thomas
