For the last few weeks, there has been manic transfer speculation over the future of Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira based in part on comments that he had made.
Last month Torreira was asked what he thought of life in England and his response was interpreted as a coded message that he was unhappy in England and wanted a move back to Italy.
“I don’t know if there are many things that I enjoy. I think it was better in Italy. England is a totally different world, a very large country”, Torreira replied.
“The language [barrier] has cost me, to be able to relate with my peers and with the people. It is very difficult when you can’t have dialogue.
“And so is the climate. You go out in the morning and it is cloudy, you arrive late to your home and it is cloudy.
“It is strange a little bit, the sun, the more of us that we are here and we are accustomed to having always or almost always the sun. But as the years pass, I’m going to be adapting.
Since those comments there must have been over a hundred articles claiming that he was on the verge of a move to AC Milan, in fact, we also reported on such rumours.
Well, the Uruguayan has now updated his comments and there can be very little room for ambiguity this time though you can be sure that the media will put their own spin on what he said.
‘It’s been a pretty big change for me. Genoa is a much smaller city than London, but every week I feel more comfortable and learn new things about the way of life,’ he told Four Four Two.
‘When I arrived, we saw traditional landmarks, trying to get my bearings. Now it feels more like home.’
‘It was the best option,’ he continued. ‘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.’
If that is not a clear message that he is staying at Arsenal and has no intention of a move away this summer then I do not know what is.
The bottom line is that he will not be leaving the Emirates this transfer window and any future transfer speculation must be taken with a pinch of salt.