Arsenal’s deal for Lucas Torreira has been named as one of the 10 most exciting transfers this summer, coming in at number two behind the uninspired choice of Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City at number one.

The 22-year-old, who was relatively unknown in England until he was linked with Arsenal, shone at the World Cup, delighting football fans across the planet when he dumped Cristiano Ronaldo off the ball despite being at least two-feet smaller than the Real Madrid man.

Uruguay's midfielder Lucas Torreira (R) vies for the ball with Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Uruguay and Portugal at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Uruguay’s midfielder Lucas Torreira (R) vies for the ball with Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Uruguay and Portugal at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Daily Mail are running a feature in their Saturday edition that looks at the 10 most exciting transfers already made this summer and they pick Arsenal’s deal for the former Sampdoria man as one of them.

He comes in at number two, behind Riyad Mahrez’s boring, predictable and over-priced move to Manchester City.

180714 daily mail 10 most exciting transfers
Daily Mail, 14 July 2018
180714 daily mail 10 most exciting transfers 2
Daily Mail, 14 July 2018

‘I could not believe it’: Torreira talks about his personal call from Emery to seal Arsenal move

by Dan Critchlow

Lucas Torreira Arsenal
Courtesy of Arsenal.com

Talking to Uruguayan outlet Ovacion, Torreira revealed his nervous conversation with the new Arsenal head coach ahead of the World Cup.

“When he called me, I could not believe it,” Torreira admitted. “I was in a hotel with a friend, and I got nervous. It was difficult for me to talk because receiving the call of a coach of such an important team generates many things.

“We talked about several things. He also did not want to fill my head with too much because I knew the World Cup was coming, and that I was focused on that.”

The young midfielder then went on to talk about how much it means to him to be the first Uruguayan player to join Arsenal. He clearly just wants to enjoy the moment, after all the work he’s put in to reach this point.

“It gives me tremendous pride,” he said. “When we were signing we talked about that. It’s something great for me, and I really enjoy it because I know what it has cost me to get here. That’s why today life rewards me with this prize.”

Anyone who watched Uruguay play at the World Cup would be hard pressed to deny Torreira’s hard work for his team. That’s part of what is getting Arsenal fans so excited to see him in action, as players with that kind of energy and fight are what the team needed in some difficult moments last season.

Unfortunately, those supporters will have to wait a little longer to see Torreira in action. He confirmed his return to Arsenal will be on July 30th, after he travels to Uruguay for a well-earned rest. Hopefully that means he’ll be ready for the season opener against Manchester City.