Torreira seeking Boca switch: Arteta responds to transfer request

The midfielder is intent on returning to his native South America but the Gunners boss is unsure whether a transfer could be pushed through.

Mikel Arteta sympathizes with Lucas Torreira over his recent misfortunes but insists his situation cannot be resolved at present.

Torreira secured a season-long loan move to Atletico Madrid in the summer in search of game time after falling out of favor at Arsenal.

Opportunities has been hard to come by for him even in the Spanish capital, having made just three starts in La Liga so far.

The Uruguayan’s misery was aggravated when he learned about the tragic passing away of his mother. He now desires to be closer to his family, with his father even making a transfer appear – preferably to Argentina – to the Gunners chiefs.

“We have spoken to him and we know how difficult a time this is for him,” said Arteta during his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Slavia Praha.

“He was really attached to his mum and he’s really attached to his family. It’s a hard time for him and emotionally there is a lot of thoughts that will go through his mind. When things are like that, it’s not the moment to make decisions.

“I understand how he’s feeling emotionally. He probably feels the need and responsibility to be closer to his family. But it’s not the moment to make any decisions and it certainly is a decision that has to be made by different parties.

“Now, nothing is going to change. Let’s see what happens.”