Arsenal coach boss Unai Emery wants to sign Sevilla star Ever Banega as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, according to reports.The Welsh midfielder is expected to leave at the end of the season after the Gunners abruptly withdrew their contract offer.
And Emery is already on the look out for a player that can take his spot in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield. According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners boss has his sights set on Argentina international Banega.
Emery reportedly believes the 30-year-old can play a key role at the Emirates following their time together at Sevilla and Valencia. It is understood that Arsenal would be able to land the playmaker for £18 million due to a buy-out clause in his contract.
Under the management of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal tended to sign younger players with huge re-sale potential. But Emery is willing to break this long-standing tradition at the club to ensure his team are as strong as possible.
Banega started his career with Boca Juniors before he joined Valencia in 2008, where he scored nine goals in 136 appearances. The midfielder has played on loan at Atletico Madrid and Newell Old Boy’s and he spent one season with Italian giants Inter Milan.
But the Gunners have alsoidentified Napoli star Piotr Zielinski as a candidate to replace the Welshman. Ramsey’s agents confirmed on Twitter last week that the midfielder has “no other option” but to find a new club this summer.
The Welsh ace raised concerns when he missed the 3-0 Europa League victory last night – but it was revealed that he asked to stay in London to be with his pregnant wife.Premier League rivals Liverpool have already indicated an interest in the 27-year-old, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Ramsey is also out of contract in May and with no offer on the table from the Gunners, the Welshman is set to end his decade-long stint at The Emirates. Napoli and Real Madrid have both been linked with the midfielder, who could depart for a cut-price fee in January.