Ever Banega: Arsenal target 18million midfielder but how does he compare to their current stars?

Ever Banega: Arsenal target 18million midfielder but how does he compare to their current stars?
Arsenals revolution under Unai Emery could continue in January as they consider triggering Ever Banegas release clause.Gunners boss Emery had already made an impressive start to life at the Emirates, putting together a 22 match unbeaten run across all competitions which stretched from the end of August to mid-December8

Sevilla ace Ever Banega

The next stage of the overhaul is likely to include some more new signings to go alongside Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, and Stephan Lichtsteiner.And a new central midfielder is high on the agenda with Aaron Ramsey leaving on a free transfer and Mesut Ozil likely to be moved on in one way or another.So its unsurprising Sevilla ace Banega is on Emerys wishlist.8

Banega takes a free-kick for Sevilla this season.

The Spanish boss has twice had the Argentine under his tutelage, first at Valencia (2008-2012) and he signed him at Sevilla (2014-2016), with Banega admitting Emery being at the club helped secure the deal.In 2015, the midfielder celebrated winning the Europa League Sevillas second in two seasons – by hailing Emerys affect on both the club and his own performances.Banega was named Man of the Match in the 3-2 victory over Dnipro in Warsaw and told UEFA.com: “We have a great coach and he is getting the very best out of us – we don’t relax whether we are on the pitch or on the bench. We have really healthy competition for places here.“[Emery] supported me, pushed me and helped me develop. Winning this final and going straight into the Champions League – what more can you ask for?”8

Banega and Emery celebrate together.

A cool 18million will end Banegas second spell at the Ramn Snchez Pizjun Stadium, but how has he been performing so far this season in LaLiga and how does he compare to Arsenal’s current crop of midfielders?talkSPORT.com takes a look. Already this campaign Banega has played in a midfield trio when Sevilla played a back-three, and also a midfield two with a back-three behind them, which will be a huge bonus should Emery continue with his use of similar formations.His role in the different combinations varies depending on the opponent with the 30-year-old proving his adaptability by featuring more towards the left against Deportivo Alaves in a 1-1 draw, while in a 2-1 victory over Espanyol in November he was over towards the right-hand side for most of the match, where he registered four key passes.One key element to Emery’s interest in his former charge will be his tenacity, which certainly fits the bill given the Spaniard signed Torreira and Guendouzi.Squawka8

Ever Banega’s defensive statistics compared to Arsenal midfielders.

As shown above, Banega would certainly add some extra bite in midfield as the Gunners attempt to battle for a spot in the top four and he’ll be in good company given the abilities of those who surround him.He’s naturally a grafter, which helps complement his ball-playing abilities which are far superior to his possible new team-mates.Squawka8

Ever Banega’s passing statistics compared to Arsenal midfielders.

Banega’s average ball length is a lot higher than most of his potential team-mates, which could come in handy as Emery’s side like to break with pace and switch the play to pull defences apart.A tendency to pass backwards may be of concern, but it should be noted that when he’s in the final third Banega is far more positive than Arsenal’s current crop, as shown below.Squawka8

How Banega and Arsenal’s midifelders currently use the ball in the final third.

Banega’s experience at 30 and his previous relationship with Emery are two of the likely reasons behind his rumoured transfer, but it’s easy to see why the player is being linked in terms of his acumen, his style, and his form.The addition of his dribbling ability and his strength on the ball isn’t dissimilar to that of Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele, who is famed for his skill in progressing the ball and shifting possession accurately.8

Banega in action at World Cup 2018 for Argentina.

With Ramsey set to be dumped unceremoniously, Banega should be considered a replacement and not a marquee signing.His role will also be either as a No.8 or a 10 (where Emery has used him previously) and if used correctly he could provide plenty more ammunition for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette – as well as giving an extra threat at set-pieces.But can he fire Arsenal back into the top four?8

Emery and Banega talk during their time together at Sevilla.

It will be a tough ask but he’s got the grit, determination and faith in his former boss, which gives him a fighting chance.

---

Paul Scholes' son has told Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt not to join Manchester United - because they're 'w*** and have a team full of bell****'. The 19-year-old is being chased by a
Paul Scholes' son tells Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt not to

---

Juventus full back Alex Sandro has dented Manchester United's hopes of signing him by closing in on a new contract with the Serie A giants. The Brazilian had been a long-term target of Jose
Manchester United target Alex Sandro signs new Juventus deal

---

Some amateur referees have been having second thoughts about officiating, fed up with the abuse heaped on them during games. While most of the abuse is verbal, it can turn physical, and, on rare

---

Premier League Match Report for Manchester City v Crystal Palace on 22 December 2018, includes all goals and incidents. Have your say on the game in the comments.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Preview: Probable Lineups

---

Bournemouth defender Charlie Daniels has been ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery and is also expected to miss the start of the next campaign. The 32-year-old suffered an
Bournemouth defender Daniels set to miss start of next season

---

Transfers from abroad were able to be made official when the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) opened at midnight on June 9. Trading can now carry on until the deadline but English teams will
February 28, 2018 by Nagaland Post - Issuu

---

Seán Cox surrounded by family and friends at home after Liverpool win the Champions League. club beat Spurs 2-0 in the final. Sean was surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife
Sean Cox congratulates European champions Liverpool after

---

ROMELU LUKAKU showed his class by consoling Presnel Kimpembe after Manchester United's stunning European win. The Belgian striker scored twice to leave his side a goal away from reaching the
Man United striker Lukaku consoles heartbroken Kimpembe while

---

Former Belgium and West Bromwich Albion assistant boss Graeme Jones has been appointed as Luton Town manager for next season on a three-year contract. Jones, 49, will take over from Mick Harford
Graeme Jones: Luton Town appoint former Belgium and West Brom
sportsalert.org/2019/05/02/graeme-jones-luton-town-appoint-former-belgium-and-west-brom-assistant-as-manager/
Former Belgium and West Bromwich Albion assistant boss Graeme Jones has been appointed as Luton Town manager for next season on a three-year contract. Jones, 49, will take over from Mick Harford on 7 May and lead the Hatters in the Championship following their promotion from League One.
Graeme Jones: Former Belgium and Everton assistant appointed
hollywoodadviser.com/graeme-jones-former-belgium-and-everton-assistant-appointed-luton-town-manager/
confirmed Jones will officially begin work with the newly-promoted side next week after the conclusion of the League One season Newly-promoted Luton have announced former Everton and Belgium assistant manager Graeme Jones will lead them in the Championship next season.
Luton Town confirm Graeme Jones as new manager | Football

---

New jumper, please! Andy Murray's miffed with sweater but chuffed with Arsenal shirt Andy Murray takes to Twitter to show off his new Christmas jumper

---

Liverpool 2018/19 kit: Record-breaking New Balance kit sales leads to shortages in home shirts The club said in a statement it has run out of home shirts on its online store but hope to have a new
Liverpool announce record-breaking £300m kit deal with New

---

Nantes paid tribute to their missing former player Emiliano Sala before and during Wednesday's Ligue 1 match against Saint-Etienne.. Guernsey Police on Thursday ceased looking for Sala, who was
Watch: Referee stops Nantes vs Saint-Etienne game in ninth

---

Raheem Sterling: England star leaves heartfelt tribute for

---

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has urged Paul Pogba to make an impact in tonight's Champions League clash against Valencia. United head to Spain with qualification to the last 16
Man Utd vs Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League commentary and

---

Leeds and West Brom face each other in a match that could prove pivotal in deciding the fate of the Championship promotion race. Leeds are third, level on points with second-placed Sheffield United.
Leeds may be sold if they fail to win promotion to the

---