If reports are to be believed Arsenal have all-but completed the signing of Lucas Torreira who is playing for Argentina at the World Cup in Russia. The 22-year-old midfielder should be a solid signing for Arsenal. According to The Transfer Hound, Torreira is the fourth most discussed player in the world right now in relation to the transfer market (which doesn’t officially open until July 1). This is not a surprise as many Arsenal fans are very excited about the signing of the South American. However, I think we would benefit from the addition of another midfielder.
With Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere gone, and Elneny’s ability at the top level questionable, Arsenal could do with the signing of another midfielder this summer unless Maitland-Niles will be regularly used as a central midfielder next season which will be great but is perhaps unlikely to happen. This is why it is not a surprise that we have been linked with the signing of Ever Banega of Sevilla who Unai Emery has managed before.
Although the Argentinean reportedly has a €20m (£17.5m) release clause, the Daily Express reports that Arsenal can sign him for as little as €12m (£10.5m) which to me would be brilliant business. We could raise at least £12million for Elneny and if we bring in Banega for just £10.5m, we would have upgraded without having to spend more than necessary.
No disrespect to Elneny, he is no doubt a very good player he is however not of Arsenal’s level and I won’t blame Emery if he sells him. It is obvious the former PSG manager is out there looking for players who fit the way he likes to play the beautiful game of football and we should give him the freedom to do as he wish since he will take all the blame if the team fails.
Banega can play as a deep lying playmaker and as well as a box to box midfielder or in the central attacking midfield role which gives tactical versatility. I could see Mesut Ozil playing wide next season, Aaron Ramsey at number 10 and Banega acting as the Welshman’s back up in that role.
Having played for Inter Milan, Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, Banega has a lot of top level experience in the game which the current Arsenal side lack at the moment. He has also played so far in three FIFA world cups and knows what it takes to win titles having won the Europa league two times with Sevilla, Copa del Rey with Sevilla last season and with Valencia in the 2007/2008 season and the FIFA under 20 World Cup as well as the Olympics with Argentina.
At just £10.5m (if the Express is correct that is) if he turns out to be a flop in the Premier League, we would be able to sell him and recoup some of our investment back easily. Whilst I would prefer us to invest more in a younger midfielder like Aleksandr Golovin, Banega could be a cost-effective option that brings experience to the midfield.