Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website that Edu has been ‘very close’ to Lucas Torreira’s situation, as he potentially moves away from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal loaned out Torreira for the season to Diego Simeone’s side, but he has been used very rarely in Spain.
Reports now suggest that a clutch of other sides have been trying to sign him.
And Arteta suggests that Arsenal are now monitoring the situation very carefully, as they weigh up what move to make next.
“We have been talking to Lucas, Edu has been very close to the situation,” Arteta said.
“He hasn’t been playing as many minutes as he would like, as we would like, but to be fair the team is doing so well in Spain and it is understandable they don’t change the team so much.
“We just want to be right behind Lucas, protect him, help him make the right decisions for the future, so let’s see what happens. But we are monitoring the situation very closely.”
Arsenal will surely be keen for Torreira to get more game time in the second half of the season for their own benefit and due to the player’s wants.
Torreira has not experienced being a permanent starter ever since he moved to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal also need him to be given regular chances, as it should increase his value ahead of the summer.
It seems highly unlikely that Torreira will fight his way back into contention in North London, but Arsenal would surely find more suitors for him in the summer if he could put himself in the shop window by playing regularly between now and then.
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