Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reached out to Lucas Torreira.

The Uruguayan midfielder has struggled for playing time during his loan spell with Atletico Madrid.

But Arteta has backed the 25-year-old to fight for his place in Diego Simeone's side.

"I have had some conversations with Lucas," Arteta told a press conference on Monday. "He started the loan period really well but now he is lacking game time.

"It can happen, the team is doing exceptionally well, they are first in La Liga and when a team is winning it is difficult to get into the starting line up.

"It is a long season, I know Lucas' character, he is going to try top keep going and keep pushing too let's see what will happen."