LUCAS TORREIRA has finally ended his Arsenal nightmare by joining Galatasaray on a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old was one of seven squad members up for sale this summer after being deemed as surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal have sold midfielder Lucas Torreira to Turkish side Galatasaray for £5.5million
Uruguay international Torreira has linked up with Galatasaray on a four-year deal
Having established himself as a key player in his first season after arriving from Sampdoria in 2018 for £22million, the Uruguay international quickly fell out of form in his second year.
As a result he spent the last two years away from the Emirates having been shipped off loan to Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina respectively.
And he has now left on a permanent transfer with the Gunners understood to have pocketed £5.5m.
He is the third high-profile sale of the summer after Matteo Guendouzi was sold to Marseille for £9m.
Meanwhile German goalkeeper Bernd Leno joined Fulham in an £8m deal in his quest to play first team football.
Despite pining for a move to either Italy or Spain, Torreira has linked up with Galatasaray on a four-year contract until 2026.
An Arsenal club statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Lucas for his contribution during his time with us.
“We wish Lucas and his family the best of health and happiness in their new chapter with Galatasaray.”
Torreira has expressed his delight at linking up with the Super Lig side, as he insisted the club’s fanbase helped persuade him to join.
He told Galatasaray’s website: “I am very happy to come here. I thought about it with my family.
“Nando Muslera [goalkeeper] and my manager were very helpful. I am very happy that I made this decision.
“There was incredible support. After there were conversations about it, the fans started talking to me on social media.
“They even started to communicate with my family and loved ones.
“They also played a part in making this decision. I felt very good. I’m proud of the jersey I’m wearing. I am very happy to come here.
“Since I came to this club, I have met so many good people. I will get used to the city, the club and my team-mates. I will do my best to make history here.”
