Lucas Torreira is close to sealing his move to Atletico Madrid.
On Friday evening, football.london revealed the Arsenal midfielder was to move to the La Liga side on a season-long loan deal, as first reported by The Athletic.
The Gunners were in favour of a permanent deal for the Uruguay international who has fallen out of favour under manager Mikel Arteta, but Atletico did not want to commit so the deal isn't likely to have an option to buy.
Speaking about an exit for Torreira in his pre-Sheffield United press conference on Friday afternoon, Arteta wasn't giving too much away.
"I will give you an update with any player the moment I have an update to give you," the Spaniard told reporters. "At the moment, unfortunately there is nothing concrete."
But fast forward 24 hours and all that remains is an official announcement from both clubs after Torreira was spotted in Madrid following a successful medical.
Thanks to @libertaddigital - via @Dvinuesa on Twitter - exclusive images of the 24-year-old have emerged.
With Torreira's move to Atletico looking all but done, he could play a key role in Arsenal's attempt to seal a move for Arteta's dream summer signing.
The club's pursuit of Houssem Aouar has been drawn out in public after Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed Arsenal's initial bid of £32million (€35million) was rejected last weekend.
But as revealed by football.london later that day, the Gunners were ready to increase their offer to £36.5million (€40million) with a further £9million in potential add-ons (€10million).
However, time is running out to get a deal done and latest reports from France doesn't make for good reading for Arsenal fans.
According to RMC Sport, Lyon have ended negotiations with all clubs for Aouar and Memphis Depay.
So it would appear that Arteta may not get his dream signing after all.
