Lucas Torreira has started his Arsenal career with a confidence and consistency that points towards a glowing future in north London, but his development could yet be aided by the arrival of another central midfield player. 

Scuttling across the turf with a bulldog-like approach, demanding the ball into feet and striving to retrieve possession, Torreira is rapidly becoming a firm favourite at Arsenal. A brief period of history characterised by the need to recruit a new midfield lynchpin passed and produced nothing by way of a desirable transfer agreement, but the Uruguayan's summer arrival has put an end to a recurring theme at the Emirates Stadium.

Torreira is far from the complete package; it will be some time before he establishes himself as one of the Premier League's most coveted midfielders. However, a recent transfer report hints that a perfect mentor could help him to realise the full extent of his potential.

According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet Sport, Manchester United and Arsenal are plotting a summer raid for Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic, with the Catalan giant's decision to sign Frenkie de Jong and the potential arrival of Adrien Rabiot paving the way for a new era of midfield superstars to emerge.

Barcelona's loss would certainly be Arsenal's gain: Rakitic remains one of the most majestic and decisive midfield talents in world football, and his wealth of experience in the game would undoubtedly do wonders for Torreira's development.

Having the opportunity to learn from and train alongside Rakitic - a player who has won the Europa League, the Champions League, four La Liga titles and been capped 102 times by Croatia - is a privilege which would positively influence any aspiring young player and there is no reason to suggest Torreira would be an exception to the rule.

From an outsiders perspective, it appears that Torreira is a diligent worker with a modest head on his shoulders, so the arrival of a player like Rakitic, who naturally would threaten his place in the first-team, would force him to rise to the challenge rather than wilt at the first sign of genuine competition.

With Aaron Ramsey edging towards the exit door, Arsenal's interest in Rakitic is well placed and timely, and if Emery is ultimately able to complete an audacious deal to bring the midfielder to north London it will hand the club a new creative wizard and a dream mentor for the ever-improving Torreira.

Arsenal fans - thoughts? Let us know below!