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Arsenal news: Unai Emery backed to sign star midfielder Gunners 'desperately need'
EVER BANEGA would add something to the Arsenal midfield that they desperately need, claims ESPN FC pundit Shaka Hislop.
Sevilla midfielder Banega has been linked with a switch to Arsenal in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Argentina international is currently in his second spell with Sevilla, after being initially signed by Unai Emery when he was in charge in 2014.
Emery is now the man at the helm at Arsenal and is keen with a reunion with the 30-year-old midfielder.
Hislop admits Banega would not be a long-term solution for Arsenal but says he will add a steel they have lacked for so long.
He will give a little bit more steel to that midfield that I think Arsenal desperately need
“He is (getting on a bit),” the former West Ham goalkeeper said.
“But he will give a little bit more steel to that midfield that I think Arsenal desperately need.
“Right now, it’s less about the long term for Arsenal than the short term.
"Maybe it’s a short-term fix. But I think it’s a good one.”
Banega could potentially be the replacement for Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal.
Ramsey is out of contract at the end of the season and the Gunners have withdrawn their latest offer to him.
And former Arsenal forward Paul Mariner is certain the Wales international will be on his way.
“One hundred per cent (Ramsey will leave Arsenal) He will,” Mariner told ESPN FC.
“Look, Arsenal have dropped the ball on this. They’ve done it with various players.
“(Alexis) Sanchez, they did it with (Mesut) Ozil, Ozil held them to ransom.
“Ramsey, they should have signed him two years ago, absolutely they should have.
“But to leave it so long, why should he go in January? It’s ridiculous. So he’s going to go in the summer, he’ll go to a really, really good side.
“I think he’s one of the top midfield players, he’s box-to-box, he does a great job for his side.
“To leave Arsenal? 100 per cent.”