Unai Emery closing in on first Arsenal January signing

Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the signing of midfieder Ever Banega who has been impressive for Sevilla in the Spanish Laliga.

Unai Emery is a big fan of the 30-year-old Argentine central midfielder having coached him twice during his spells at Valencia and Sevilla and has managed to get the best out of him. The Gunners were linked with Banega during the summer transfer window in June but opted for the services of Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi.

“Ever Banega, close to leaving Sevilla to go to Arsenal by express request of Unai Emery, the coach who always extracted the best of him as a player,” Argentine journalist Roberto Martinez tweeted.

Banega’s Sevilla contract doesn’t expire until June 2020 however, Arsenal could activate his release clause which is just £18million. This shouldn’t be a lot money for the gunners if they really want to give support to their boss Unai Emery in this upcoming transfer window.

Banega could come in as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey who will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. The Wales international could even leave in the January transfer window so Ever Banega will be needed as early as possible.

The January transfer window always has shocking and surprising transfers, unforgettably the arrival of Arsenal’s record transfer player Aubameyang as well as the swap deal with Manchester United involving Sanchez and Mkhitaryan.