According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal are ‘trying to convince’ Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega to make the summer switch to the Emirates Stadium. New manager Unai Emery wants a reunion with the player he managed in Spain and could procure his signature for £17.6m – his release clause.
Banega is in his second stint as Sevilla, having re-joined from Inter Milan in 2017. The 29-year-old’s career started in Argentina for Boca Juniors, racking up 30 appearances before he moved to Spain to join Valencia in 2008, racking up 185 appearances. He had loan spells at Atletico Madrid (2008/09) and Newell’s (2013/14) before he joined Sevilla in 2014.
The Argentine international made 50 appearances in all competitions for Sevilla last season, scoring and creating 10 goals, creating 66 chances and making 83 successful dribbles. His side finished seventh in La Liga, just two points off a Europa League place.
Arsenal are in the market for a central midfielder like Banega as they’re set to lose Jack Wilshere on a free transfer this summer. The English playmaker failed to agree to a contract extension and will ply his trade away from the Emirates next season. Banega would be a fantastic replacement if Emery can lure him away from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. Time will tell.