Lucas Torreira has told the media that the chance to join Arsenal is one that he ‘couldn’t waste’.

“I would’ve been very happy to fly back with my teammates, but this is such a big opportunity and I can’t waste it,” the 22-year-old told Telenoche at the airport.

“It was the same when leaving Uruguay at a young age to play in Italy, as I knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime to progress as a person and help my family.

“I saw the sacrifices my father made. I was away from home a long time and couldn’t even drink mate with my Mum. I’ll return to Uruguay soon enough and salute everyone.”

Details are starting to emerge about the specifics of Torreira’s deal with Arsenal, which is due to be confirmed this week.

The latest reports suggest Torreira headed straight to London to complete a medical, after Uruguay’s elimination from the World Cup. With an announcement expected sometime this week, we’re starting to get a better idea of what the midfielder has actually agreed to.

Firstly, a wide variety of reports confirm that Arsenal will pay a €30m (£26.5m) for the 22-year-old. His release clause with Sampdoria was €25m, but Arsenal decided to pay a little extra to fight off the competition. The two clubs agreed the fee would be paid in three instalments.

Next, reports in Uruguay suggest Torreira will sign a five-year contract with the club. Given his age, it makes sense Arsenal would want to tie him down for as long as possible, in contrast to the likes of Sokratis Papastathopoulos or Stephan Lichtsteiner on shorter contracts.

Uruguayan outlet Tenfield also give the player’s new wages as €3m-a-year (£2.65m). That works out at around £51k-a-week. However, it’s important to bear in mind that wages are often given after tax in overseas reports.

Nonetheless, even before tax his wages would still come to less than £100k-a-week, which is very good for a player of his talent.

Hopefully now there are no problems with medical and we get an announcement very soon.