Unai Emery wants Arsenal to prioritise the signing of Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, according to reports in Spain.
Emery had already worked with Banega at Valencia before deciding to sign him for Sevilla in 2014.
And the Argentine played a key role in Emerys Sevilla side which won consecutive Europe League trophies in 2015 and 2016.
Arsenal already strengthened their midfield with the signings of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira in the summer, but Emery is keen to bolster his options this winter.
According to La Sexta, Emery has made Banegas transfer a priority and wants the deal completed in the January transfer window.
The report also claims that Banegas agent is currently in London where talks could be taking place.
The 30-year-old has a €20 million (£18m) release clause in his contract with Sevilla, which could make Arsenals negotiations smoother.
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But Emery may have a tough task convincing Banega to make the move to the Premier League.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Banega and his family are happy to stay in Seville and the midfielder has little interest in moving away from Spain after his failed stint at Inter.
When someone does something, they do so with their heart, Banega said last year after re-joining Sevilla from Inter.
I did that, but it was a mistake to leave Sevilla.
More: Arsenal FC
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Unai Emery wants Arsenal to prioritise the signing of Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega, according to reports in Spain.
Emery had already worked with Banega at Valencia before deciding to sign him for Sevilla in 2014.
And the Argentine played a key role in Emerys Sevilla side which won consecutive Europe League trophies in 2015 and 2016.
Arsenal already strengthened their midfield with the signings of Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira in the summer, but Emery is keen to bolster his options this winter.
According to La Sexta, Emery has made Banegas transfer a priority and wants the deal completed in the January transfer window.
The report also claims that Banegas agent is currently in London where talks could be taking place.
The 30-year-old has a €20 million (£18m) release clause in his contract with Sevilla, which could make Arsenals negotiations smoother.
Advertisement Advertisement
More: Football
But Emery may have a tough task convincing Banega to make the move to the Premier League.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Banega and his family are happy to stay in Seville and the midfielder has little interest in moving away from Spain after his failed stint at Inter.
When someone does something, they do so with their heart, Banega said last year after re-joining Sevilla from Inter.
I did that, but it was a mistake to leave Sevilla.
More: Arsenal FC
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