Ever Banega
There’s an air of excitement at the Emirates since Unai Emery’s arrival. For a long time, the fans demanded that Arsene Wenger needed to be replaced and that’s exactly what they got at the end of the season. The arrival of Unai Emery has certainly been treated with joy by the Gooners. Arsenal failed to finish in a Champions League spot for a second straight year. Unai Emery’s main objective will be to guide the Gunners to the top next season.
The manager has already completed a few major signings for the club and the new arrivals are certainly a statement from the former PSG boss. Rumour now has it that the Spanish coach is in the market for more players.
Two such players who have been linked with the club over the last few days are Sampdoria’s Lucas Torreira and Sevilla’s Ever Banega. A deal for the former is reportedly very close to being complete but manager Unai Emery wants to snap up both.
Banega made 25 appearances in the La Liga this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. He re-joined Sevilla from Inter Milan in 2017 and has made a total of 31 appearances for the club. His efforts have impressed Arsenal’s Spanish coach, who will be looking for a central midfielder after the departure of Jack Wilshere.
The 26-year-old English midfielder made a total of 197 first team appearances since his debut in 2008. His career was blighted by injuries and Wilshere eventually decided to leave.
Banega could be the man to take his place. The Argentinian has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.7 dribbles per game in the La Liga. He is also very good at set-pieces, which is an added bonus. He would certainly be a great addition to Emery’s arsenal.
Torreira, on the other hand, has been attracting interest from many clubs, due to his efforts for Sampdoria last season. He made 36 appearances in the Serie A, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist. He is generally classified as a defensive midfielder and is very good at his job.
He averaged 2.8 tackles and 2 interceptions per game in the league last season. He’s an engine in the middle of the park, tirelessly chasing down the ball from opponents. He would provide great cover for the likes of Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny.
Both Torreira and Banega are with their national teams playing in the World Cup. Emery has almost completed a deal for Torreira but Banega will probably have to wait until Argentina are done with their run. Emery has already made changes to the backline and next on his mind could be the midfield. Both will be massive signings for Arsenal as they aim to return to the Champions League next season.
