Back to the International Newsfeed

Torreira billed as Emery's version of Vieira & Gilberto Silva in new-look Arsenal

Former Gunners star Paul Merson admits the north London club have been "crying out for" a midfielder of the Uruguayan's ilk for some years now

Lucas Torreira is the combative midfielder Arsenal have been “crying out for”, says Paul Merson, with the Uruguayan billed as the next Patrick Vieira or Gilberto Silva.

While the Gunners were famed for their ball-playing approach under Arsene Wenger and boasted plenty of creative influences in their squad, their finest sides had graft to complement the guile.

World Cup winner Vieira epitomised those qualities, with the Frenchman an explosive presence who was capable of putting a boot in and driving forward.