Arsenal receives boost in pursuit of Ever Banega

Sevilla have signed his potential replacement

Arsenal endured an underwhelming season as they failed to win any silverware in Arsene Wenger’s final campaign. They finished 6th in the Premier League and will miss the Champions League next season.

Unai Emery has been appointed as the new manager of the Gunners and is charged with the task of returning the club to the European elite while challenging for major honours.

He has already completed the signings of defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The Spaniard has targeted a midfielder ahead of the next season. Both Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere have left the club after their respective contract expired, leaving them short in that area.

The club are already close to signing Sampdoria’s Lucas Torreira in a £26 million deal. But they are searching for more cover and has reportedly turned to one of the manager’s former player.

The Premier League giants are planning to sign Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, who has a €20 million release clause in his contract. Emery has previously worked with him at Valencia before signing him for the Spanish side

The Argentine joined the them back in 2014 and played a key role in the side that won consecutive Europa League trophies in 2015 and 2016. He joined Inter Milan in 2016 on a free transfer and was regular for them.

But after just 13 months the 29 year old returned back to his former club, signing a 3 year contract. He was a key player for them last term, making 47 appearances in all competitions.

There were reports that the Argentina International’s agent was in London to discuss a potential move and the discussions were reportedly positive. And the English side have received further boost in their pursuit of him.

Sevilla confirmed the signing of Roque Mesa on Wednesday amid rumors Ever Banega is seeking a move to Arsenal according to Metro. Mesa was their Plan B should Emery’s side trigger his release clause.