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Football London
Football London
Sport
James Benge

Lucas Torreira tells Arsenal fans exactly what they want to hear after AC Milan links

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has dampened speculation that he may be unhappy in London, insisting that the capital "feels like home".

The Uruguayan international caused a major media storm ahead of this summer's Copa America, telling press in his homeland that he had found life in Italy - where he played for Sampdoria - easier and more pleasurable.

That immediately prompted AC Milan to up their interest in Torreira though, as football.london reported last month, Arsenal will not consider selling one of their outstanding performers unless they receive an offer too good to refuse. Similarly Torreira has not asked to leave the club.

Torreira is a quiet yet popular presence at Arsenal, still getting to grips with the English language but gregarious and hard-working on and off the pitch. And whilst he admits that adapting to his new environment has brought its challenges the 23-year-old is beginning to settle in Britain.

"It's been a pretty big change for me, coming from Sampdoria," Torreira told FourFourTwo. "Genoa is a much smaller city than London, but every week I feel more comfortable and learn new things about the way of life.

"When I arrived, we saw traditional landmarks like Buckingham Palace, trying to get my bearings.

"Now it feels more like home."

Torreira proved to be an immediate hit after his £27million move last summer, vindicating Arsenal's energy in overcoming Napoli to secure his signature.

Only five of his team-mates played more league minutes than Torreira, who completed the second most tackles per 90 minutes and scored crucial goals in wins over Tottenham and Huddersfield Town.

Asked why he had chosen Arsenal last summer, Torreira said: "It was the best option, because this is a huge club with massive support across the world.

"The fans and everyone associated with the club have made me feel so welcome. I really feel like a part of the family here."

Torreira has four years left to run on the contract he signed at Arsenal when he first arrived.

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