Arsenal: Ever Banega picking up pace, but I don’t know why

The reports linking Ever Banega to Arsenal are picking up pace. This could actually happen. But why? Do the Gunners really need him?

The Arsenal midfield is perhaps the biggest question mark next season. That is not to say that it is an issue. Rather, such is the plethora and variety of options of system and personnel, it is extremely uncertain how Unai Emery will choose to set up.

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There has been immense speculation suggesting that Aaron Ramsey will be at the heart of his plans, should the Welshman sign a new contract and remain in north London, but other than that, very little is known. Jack Wilshere may be leaving and Granit Xhaka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles may have agreed to new contracts, but that hardly confirms their place in the starting XI.

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Moreover, the impending addition of Lucas Torreira, a 22-year-old, industrious midfielder who will surely start given his £26 million price tag, adds another string to Emery’s midfield bow. Include the likes of Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi who can all play centrally if Emery wants to employ a 4-2-3-1 shape with a true attacking midfielder, and it’s easy to see the conundrum taking shape. And now it could be time to add another name to the mix.

Ever Banega of Sevilla has been named as a possible target for the Gunners in the coming weeks and months by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Argentine, who is currently at the World Cup with his national side, having flourished under Emery in Seville when the Spaniard was in charge prior to his two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain.

The rumours have been flying around for some time but were largely unsubstantiated. Nevertheless, they are picking up pace and could have legs as the summer progresses, especially if the talk of an affordable release clause persists. But why? Why are Arsenal even considering this move?

Banega is a tidy, ball-playing central midfielder who excels in possession but is not the most physically gifted player and is now 29 years of age — he will be 30 by the time June comes to a close. He doesn’t offer anything different to the likes of Aaron Ramsey or Granit Xhaka or even Mohamed Elneny, he won’t be all that cheap, a reported fee of up to £20 million, and depth isn’t a problem with Torreira set to arrive, who is not only a better player but a much younger one.

It seems baffling to me that Arsenal would pursue that kind of player. I understand that Emery worked with him at Sevilla and will understand how to use him best. But his best is nothing more than a good, tidy player. That is not someone worth investing in.

Next: Arsenal: 3 transfer sagas to keep an eye on

The Banega rumours are picking up pace. That might not be a good thing.