Gunners legend Robert Pires says he understands why Arsenal spent big to land “warrior” Lucas Torreira in the summer transfer window.

After months of speculation and a very impressive world cup for Torreira, the Gunners splashed the cash and signed the tough-tackling midfielder for a fee of £26 million, as Unai Emery sought to find a better alternative to the unimpressive Granit Xhaka.

And although he doesn’t have the physical presence of former holding midfielder’s Patric Vieira and Gilberto Silva, Torreira has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates and has been heavily praised for his performances as Arsenal get used to life under Emery.

Pires has now admitted he can see just why Arsenal spent so much money and brought in the South American star, telling Sky Sports: “I love Lucas Torreira.

“When you play in his position you need to be a warrior, and he’s a warrior.

“He likes to fight a good fight with the other players and technically he’s very good. He has good ability with the ball, good vision and now I understand why Arsenal paid a lot of money for him. He’s a very good player.”

Here is what we think on the signing of Torreira.

Arsenal are looking very strong under Emery and are a much better side than the one that finished sixth last season, so the acquisition of Torreira for Emery is a great bit of the business for the Gunners and he could become a real fans favourite, if he continue to impress under the Spaniard.