According to the Sun, as mentioned in a recent report by the Daily Star, Arsenal are plotting a move to secure the services of Ever Banega from Valencia during the January transfer window. The same report also states that the Gunners are planning a £18m move but would face stiff competition from Inter Milan in pursuit of the La Liga midfielder’s signature next month.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery had previously managed the Argentine international during their time together at Sevilla and Valencia so he would know the player reasonably well.
Banega has been a regular presence in Marcelino García Toral’s midfield and has already put in some eye-catching performances at the Mestalla Stadium in this campaign. The 30-year-old has featured in 28 matches for the La Liga outfit this term, scoring eight goals while creating five assists across multiple competitions.
He is also vastly experienced at the international level, having made 65 appearances and scoring six goals for the Argentine national team so far. There is no doubt about his quality on the pitch, but at 30, Banega won’t be a long-term solution to Emery’s midfield problems.
The Argentine talent primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but can also operate on a deep-lying, holding midfield role if required. The South-American sensation is an excellent dribbler with the ball and can play a wide array of passes which makes him such an effective player at the attacking end of the pitch. However, there are some concerns regarding his ability to cope with the physical nature of Premier League football.
The addition of Banega would undoubtedly be a shrewd move for the Gunners if they can pull off such a move in January. His talents on the pitch could help Emery’s side ensure a top 4 finish at the end of this campaign. More importantly, he will also fill the void left by Aaron Ramsey when he eventually leaves the North London club next summer.
Hence, the Argentine’s quality in midfield coupled with the fact that he can play in multiple positions makes him a worthwhile target for Emery to consider in January.
