Given all the names associated with potential moves to Arsenal, it’s often hard to take any of them seriously, until there’s any official announcements from the club itself. Since the arrival of Unai Emery as manager, the Spanish coach has been linked with interest in a host of his former players, as the Gunners compete for signings in a complicated summer transfer window, with the 2018 World Cup in Russia also making negotiations a tad trickier.
The latest rumored interest surrounds Argentina international Ever Banega, after Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport hinted that his agent, Marcelo Simonian, will have talks with Arsenal to sound out a potential move. The central midfielder, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on 29th June, would certainly be an interesting option, especially as a player Emery very regarded highly during spells the two shared at Valencia and Sevilla in La Liga.
Despite all the speculation, the principal focus at the moment for the player is helping his national team. According to the latest World Cup betting odds, Argentina are 11/1 to win the tournament, with their odds lengthening after drawing their opening Group D against Iceland. Banega featured in that match, appearing as a second-half substitute, but his introduction was arguably too late to help influence the final outcome.
After the story of a potential Arsenal move first appeared in Italy, the British tabloids have been swift in jumping on the bandwagon, just as they did when apparent interest in Steven N’Zonzi first appeared, with the Daily Star even claiming that Emery has demanded the signing of Banega.
Meanwhile, other outlets have simply focused on the possibility of talks between the club and the player’s agent. In southern Spain, local media outlet Estadio Deportivo says Banega and Sevilla “know nothing” of the reported interest from Arsenal, although there have also been suggestions recently that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in signing his Argentine compatriot. Undoubtedly, Emery would likely be very frustrated if that happened.
What isn’t in doubt is that working alongside Emery at Sevilla, in particular, Banega shone brightly and was an instrumental figure, helping the Spanish club in their second and third consecutive Europa League triumphs. After such an extended period of success, Sevilla inevitably lost their prize assets to other leading clubs around Europe. Sporting director Monchi left for Roma, while Emery departed for PSG and Banega was lured away to Inter Milan.
However, after just one campaign at Inter Milan, Banega returned to Sevilla at the start of the 2017-18 season. Despite what proved to be a chaotic year for the club, with three different managers over the course of the campaign, the 29-year-old was by far their most consistent player according to whoscored.com statistics, boasting the best passing percentages and average match ratings. All this while different coaches implemented varied tactics and changes to the team playing around him, which is credit to his adaptability.
The only real concern, should Arsenal make moves for N’Zonzi and Banega, is acquiring both from Sevilla would take a sizeable bite out of what is a reportedly limited transfer budget at the Emirates. Both players turning 30 this coming season also makes many fans regard them as short-term options, although Emery would certainly get the best out of their performance levels. That is ultimately what matters most, in a Gunners midfield which is in serious need of an overhaul.
