Paul Merson Lauds Torreiras Arsenal Impact But Claims No Top 4 Side Would Buy Him Yet

​Paul Merson has lauded the impact of Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira, claiming he completes Arsenal's midfield puzzle, but questions whether he is good enough for the top four.

Torreira joined the Gunners in the summer for a fee of around £26m and has since taken the to the Premier League like a duck to water. 

Known more for his immense ball-winning abilities, Torreira has also proved he has an eye for goal in recent weeks, scoring the winner against Huddersfield and more notably Arsenal's fourth goal in the north London derby. These factors combined were enough to see him awarded Arsenal's Player of the Month for November.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has spoken highly of the Uruguayan, but questioned whether teams in the top four would pay for his services.

"They've been crying out for someone like him since Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira. He gets around people, closes players down, gets everybody fighting," Merson told ​Sky Sports.

"He's not a natural passer, but he sets the tempo. And his attitude is great; he leaves nothing on the pitch and gets stuck in. He gets people going. He's done absolutely outstandingly well, and came up with two massive goals in the last couple weeks. 

"Liverpool wouldn't buy him tomorrow morning, I wouldn't have thought any of the top four would. He can and will get better, but he's done great."

Clearly not doubting the 22-year-old's ability, Merson believes that Torreira's impact has been more obvious in an Arsenal side that has been calling out for a defensive midfielder for over a decade.

Torreira and Arsenal travel to the south coast this weekend to face ​Southampton, as the Gunners look to make it 23 games unbeaten.