New Arsenal manager Unai Emery is reportedly interested in bringing Argentinian International Ever Banega to Arsenal this summer, according to Gazza Mercato.
The transfer looks to be worth an estimated €12m(£10m), which would be a considerable chunk out of the North London side’s budget, which is only estimated to be around £50m after two seasons finishing outside the top 4 in the Premier League.
Emery worked with Banega for several years at Sevilla, winning the Europa League twice with the player before making the move to North London.
The report states that Banega’s agent Marcelo Simonian is now due to travel from Rome to London to hold talks with Arsenal over a potential deal for Banega.
The midfielder is 29 and has made an impressive 62 appearances for the competitive Argentinian national team, most recently playing against Iceland in the 1-1 draw in Russia.
Banega is an integral part of Sevilla’s squad, playing a massive 50 games this season, scoring 5 goals and creating 6 assists for the club. As well as being an important player in attack, the Argentine has proved more than competent in defence, having played as a Central midfielder, Attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder over the course of the season.
With it looking more and more likely that Emery will bring in Greek center back Sokratis, many fans are asking how the new manager will balance the books.
With Jack Wilshere looking to leave on a free transfer this summer, it is unclear which Arsenal players will be sold this summer, but Shkodran Mustafi and Petr Cech look to be among the most likely to go.
In uncertain times for the Gunners, signing Banega could give a solidity to the team that a players like Santi Cazorla or Cesc Fabregas used to give, with a wealth of experience and a versatile style of play guaranteeing consistent performances over the season ahead.
