Unai Emery Makes Ever Banega Top Transfer Priority

Unai Emery is planning to raid his former club Sevilla for midfield star Ever Banega.

The Arsenal boss is looking to reinforce his options in midfield ahead in January.

Emery and Banega have a strong relationship after working together at Sevilla and Valencia.

The 30-year-old even credited his decision to join Sevilla to the Gunners manager.

And The Sun reports Arsenal have made signing Banega their priority in what would be the first deal under new head of football Raul Sanllehi.

Banega’s contract at Sevilla has a £17.5m release clause and he reportedly turned down the chance to join the London side after the World Cup.

But the 46-year-old Spaniard is desperate to convince him to change his mind and will make another attempt to get his man in January rather than wait until summer.

That’s despite the fact that the Argentine would be available on a free contract because his contract expires in June.

Emery is primarily keen on adding Banega to his squad to create more competition among those already present.

Granit Xhaka was handed a new long-term deal this summer, while Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi were brought in from Sampdoria and Lorient respectively during the window.

Banega appeared three times at the World Cup in Russia, providing a perfectly weighted ball for Lionel Messi to score from against Nigeria.

Emery said goodbye to Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla this summer while Aaron Ramsey could leave for nothing at the end of the season.