Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged Lucas Torreira to remain calm over his Gunners future amid links with a return to South America for the midfielder.

Torreira, currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, tragically lost his mother last month after she contracted coronavirus, and the Uruguay international is being heavily linked with a move to Boca Juniors in order to be closer to his family.

The 25-year-old's father has confirmed that several clubs in South America have been in contact regarding a move for his son, but Arteta has insisted that now is not the time to make any important decisions on his future.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's Europa League tie with Slavia Prague, Arteta said: "We have contacted him, we have spoken to him. We know how much of a difficult time this is for him.

"He was really attached to his mum and with his family and it's a hard time for him emotionally. There is a lot of thoughts and things that goes through his mind but... 'tranquilo' when things are like that, it is not the moment to make decisions.

"I understand how he's feeling emotionally, his need and responsibility to be closer to his family but this is not the moment to make any decision. Certainly it's a decision that will have to be made by different parties and now nothing is going to change."

Torreira has struggled to make an impact under Diego Simeone at Atletico this season - starting just three La Liga games for the capital outfit - and his deal at Arsenal will expire in 2023.