Arsenal transfer news: Sven Mislintat leading talks for Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira in bid to trump Napoli

A deal is yet to be agreed but Arsenal hope to beat Napoli to the signature of the young Uruguayan midfielder who will be on display at Russia 2018

Arsenal have entered into talks with Sampdoria over midfielder Lucas Torreira in a bid to beat Napoli to his signature.

The Gunners are desperate for a makeover in the centre of midfield and recruitment czar Sven Mislintat has been charged with finding diamonds in the rough that will help Arsenal return to the Champions League.

Torreira, 22, is seen as one of Serie A’s most talented young midfielders, a modern playmaker who can win the ball back as well as distribute it.

Now a Uruguayan international, Torreira is part of an exciting midfield revolution under Oscar Washington Tabarez as the World Cup dark horses look to squeeze the last out of their prolific generation of strikers in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

Lucas Torreira is wanted by both Arsenal and Napoli as he nears a Sampdoria exit (Getty)

Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Rodrigo Bentancur, Nahitan Nandez and Torreira are all under 24 and are set to play roles in a new-look midfield in Russia. Tabarez is moving away from his traditionally energetic midfield full of tacklers and bringing craft and artistry into his side as he looks to top Group A.

Torreira, originally a striker before moving backwards into midfield, is not expected to start Uruguay’s opener against Egypt on Friday.

No deal has yet been agreed between Sampdoria and Arsenal for the playmaker but the Premier League side are understood to have shown a willingness to outbid Napoli, the player’s only other serious suitor.