Unai Emery is pushing Arsenal towards an early deal in the January transfer window in the form of Ever Banega at Sevilla – a player that the manager has worked on two different occasions with.
The deal to take the Argentine to the Emirates Stadium in the new year would, say talkSPORT, cost the Gunners around €20 million and that would be a fee that would trigger Ever Banega’s release-clause.
Rumours continue to circulate regarding the future of Mesut Ozil, who was once again hauled off at half-time in the Boxing Day clash against Brighton and talk of a loan move away for the second half of the season would certainly free up a position for a potentially incoming Ever Banega.
Unai Emery knows the the player well, having worked with the midfielder at both Valencia and Sevilla, and on both occasions being a player that the manager could trust and rely on to pull the strings but also find the net.
The Gunners as many fans will remember were linked with Ever Banega back in the summer when Emery arrived at the club, but for one reason or another a deal was never done. However, now with Emery knowing his squad and who he can trust to deliver, there appears to be a space for Banaega to come in and help Arsenal to achieve their goal of Champions League qualification and possibly more.
Now 30, Banega has achieved plenty in his career with the standout being two Europa League winner medals, as well as winning the Spanish Cup and an Olympic gold medal with his country back in 2008 in Beijing. His past clubs include Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Boca Juniors and Newell’s – as well as current club Sevilla (on two occasions).