Lucas Torreira’s camp are optimistic about a summer move to Boca Juniors, but Mikel Arteta says it’s not the time to make a decision as the player returns to Atletico Madrid.

Following the death of his mother from a Covid infection, Lucas Torreira travelled back to his home country and told the local media he wants to return to South America and join Boca Juniors.

Reports on social media suggest the player’s camp are optimistic about a deal for Torreira to leave Arsenal for Boca Juniors this summer, despite links involving Brazilian clubs also joining the race.

Speaking in his most recent press conference Mikel Arteta claimed it’s not the time for hasty decisions.

“I understand how he’s feeling emotionally,” Arteta said. “He probably feels the need and responsibility to be closer to his family. But it’s not the moment to make any decisions and it certainly is a decision that has to be made by different parties.

“Now, nothing is going to change. It’s just an interview with some comments. Let’s see what happens.”

For the time being, Torreira has returned to Madrid to rejoin training with Atletico. His loan spell is ongoing, though he was barely playing any minutes even when he was available.

Torreira’s last appearance in all competitions was an 18-minute substitute showing on March 10th. That’s also his only appearance since the end of February, and it’s not as if he was playing much before that either.

In total, the 25-year-old has played 629 minutes this season, almost seven matches’ worth. It’s no surprise that’s contributed to his feelings of unrest in Europe.