Despite the recent claims from Lazio’s sporting director, Lucas Torreira’s agent insists his client wants to go back to play in Italy.

Over the last week or so, rumours linking Lucas Torreira with a return to Italy have been growing. The suggestion was that he was set to join Lazio, but that was called into question when Lazio director Igli Tare claimed they weren’t dealing with the midfielder.

The player’s agent says Torreira does want a return to Serie A, however, following his previous spell in the country with Sampdoria.

“He wants to go back to Italy,” Bentancur said. “They called me from France, Russia and Spain. But Lucas wants to embrace the Italian championship again to prove his worth. Arsenal have understood the situation and will come to meet us.”

As we pointed out in our coverage of the Lazio sporting director’s quotes, no one seemed particularly convinced by his denial. Even La Repubblica, the outlet reporting the quotes, went on to add that Tare has liked Torreira for years.

Then there were the reports from Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia, who said Torreira has given his agreement for a transfer to Lazio, albeit without any agreement between the two clubs.

Corriere dello Sport wrote that Arsenal want €20m in two instalments of €10m, whilst Lazio are pushing for a loan with an option to buy set at €15m, rising to €16m with bonuses.

Fabrizio Romano has since also tweeted that Arsenal want €20m, adding that Lazio are interested but not in advanced talks.

But maybe Tare is telling the truth about the lack of serious contact with Torreira, and Bentancur is simply trying to drum up some interest in Italy by revealing his desire for a comeback.