Lucas Torreira called Arsenal “one of the most important clubs in the world”, but refused to confirm if he has signed a deal at the Emirates.
The Arsenal target came off the bench during Uruguay’s 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, and after the game faced questions about his future, following comments by Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero that Torreira had “left” the club.
“No, I don’t know [if he is an Arsenal player],” Torreira said. “At the moment, the most important thing is playing for my country.
“Arsenal are a good team, one of the most important in the world, but at this moment I am focused on playing for my country.”
Torreira, who has yet to start for Uruguay in their two Group A wins in Russia, is seen as one of the rising stars of the national side.
The Gunners had offered £26.4m (30m euro) in instalments for the 22-year-old, rather than paying his £22m release clause up front.
Torreira has made 74 appearances for Sampdoria since joining the Serie A side in 2015, and would become Unai Emery’s third signing of the summer should he put pen to paper.
