Former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke believes Lucas Torreira has been the club's most integral signing this season.

Torreira was brought in from Sampdoria for £26m after a stellar World Cup with Uruguay.

And Clarke believes the addition of a tenacious Torreira in midfield has helped them keep their nine game winning streak alive.

He said: "Arsenal have been crying out for a top-class specialist defensive midfielder for many seasons. They have found one in the shape of Lucas Torreira.

"Unai Emery gently integrated the summer signing from Sampdoria, using him as a substitute in the first five matches of 2018/19.

"After a positive impact in each of those second-half appearances, Torreira has become a fixture in the first team and already one of their most influential players.

"Adding defensive focus, steadfast aggression, positional discipline and ball-winning qualities to the Arsenal midfield, Torreira provides excellent protection to the back four.

"He has transformed the team's tactical approach, making Arsenal harder to break down and giving them a more solid central platform that allows Granit Xhaka and others to focus on creativity.

"Torreira can be relied upon not to stray too far away from his holding midfield position, always being in place to cover.

"This gives team-mates the confidence that their forays forward will not leave gaps."