Arsenal believed they had signed the next Vieira, but he ended up costing them £34m.
Over the years, Arsenal fans have witnessed numerous top talents during the Premier League era. The Gunners’ 2003/04 invincible season, where they won the league title without losing a single game, will forever be a milestone in English football history. That squad featured many icons, including Thierry Henry, who scored 228 times in 377 appearances, becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer.
Dennis Bergkamp, another legend, spent 11 years at Arsenal, scoring one of the club’s most memorable goals against Newcastle United. He was part of the invincible squad, contributing 11 goal involvements that season.
Despite the contributions of Henry and Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira was also a key figure during Arsène Wenger’s reign, forming a solid foundation for the team. Vieira arrived in 1996 for £3.5m, after a disappointing time at AC Milan, and became one of Arsenal’s greatest midfielders. Known for his toughness, he played 405 games and was involved in an intense rivalry with Manchester United’s Roy Keane. Vieira eventually left Arsenal in 2005 for £13.75m, leaving a lasting legacy after winning four FA Cups and three Premier League titles.
In the summer of 2018, Arsenal made a significant signing after the World Cup, aiming to find their new Vieira.
After impressing at the 2018 World Cup, Lucas Torreira joined Arsenal from Sampdoria for £26m, with high hopes of transforming the team under new manager Unai Emery. Despite his small stature, Torreira’s aggressive, ball-winning style made him a fan favorite, and he played 50 games in his first season.
During his second season, however, Torreira’s appearances decreased after Mikel Arteta became manager. He went on loan to Atlético Madrid and Fiorentina, signaling the end of his time at Arsenal. Despite early comparisons to Vieira, Torreira’s four-year stint at Arsenal ended in 2022 when he joined Galatasaray for £5.5m. Reflecting on the comparison, Torreira said, “If the fans are comparing me and my game to Patrick Vieira, that’s amazing. It makes me very proud but I need to grow a bit before I can be as tall as him! But he’s an amazing player, I remember getting up in the mornings in Uruguay to watch him. I feel very happy and am looking to help the team.”
Ultimately, given his hefty transfer fee, Torreira’s move didn’t live up to expectations. By the time of his departure, he had cost Arsenal a total of £34m. The club and Arteta made the right decision in offloading him to avoid further financial losses.
