Torreira backing hitmen for glory

URUGUAY’S Lucas Torreira insists his team will not be intimidated by France when the teams clash in the quarter-finals.

Sampdoria midfielder Torreira – who is high on Arsenal’s wanted list – impressed in Sochi on Saturday when Edinson Cavani’s two goals helped beat Portugal 2-1.

Now the 22-year-old has set his sights on France on Friday and believes Cavani (inset) and Luis Suarez can be more than a match for Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.

He said: “They are obviously great players and France played very well against Argentina.

“But you can see that Suarez and Cavani have a great understanding with each other.

“For the rest of us, they are a reference point and they created two great from CHRIS HATHERALL goals against Portugal. For us midfielders, to see goals like the ones they scored is something incredible.”

It’s easy to see why Torreira is so coveted by Arsenal, amid reports he could agree a £25m transfer in the next week. He was part of an outstanding display by Uruguay that saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s side squeezed out. Torreira refused to talk about his future but told Italian journalists: “I’m very happy in Genoa and grateful for what I’ve had there.”

The use of the past tense might give Arsenal fans hope – and Torreira’s discipline and steely attitude could be just what the Gunners need.