Arsenal Boss Unai Emery Hoping for Ever Banega Reunion as Gunners Keep Tabs on Sevilla Ace

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is interested in a reunion with his former midfield general Ever Banega, as the Gunners' look to add competition to their existing options in the centre of the park. 

According to The Sun, Emery is hoping for a reunion with the Sevilla midfielder, who starred under the Spanish boss as the pair won back to back Europa League titles together. 

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Following Ivan Gazidis' departure for AC Milan, Raul Sanllehi has taken over the role as Head of Football at the Emirates, identifying the Argentina international as a key target. 

Spanish sources claim that the 30-year-old's current contract with Sevilla contains an £18m release clause. Banega will be out of contract at the end of next season, although the north Londoners will have to act quickly on the buyout clause before any renewal takes place. 

Emery was interested in bringing the player to the Emirates in the summer as he looked to mould the side he had inherited from Arsene Wenger into his own. 

However, Banega opted to extend his second spell with the Spanish side, who he had left for Inter back in 2016 before rejoining just a year later. 

Instead, Emery shelled out £26m to Sampdoria for the Serie A side's Uruguayan defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira, who is yet to make a start for the Gunners despite some impressive cameos. 

Despite the 22-year-old's arrival, Emery is still keen on bringing the experienced Argentine to the Emirates to provide competition for the likes of Torreira, Grant Xhaka and Matteo Guendouzi in midfield. 

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The Boca Juniors academy graduate would bring an abundance of know-how to a relatively inexperienced Arsenal midfield. 

Banega made three appearances at the World Cup in the summer, recording two assists, including the inch perfect pass for Lionel Messi's Puskas nominee against Nigeria.