As reported early in the summer by Marca, Ever Banega was happy to stay with Sevilla despite interest from Arsenal.

What’s the story?

New Gunners boss Unai Emery previously worked with Banega during his tenure in Seville, and the midfielder was a key figure in his 2014/15 and 2015/16 Europa League successes.

However, this summer, Emery’s interests in reuniting with Banega at the Emirates Stadium came to nothing. 

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Already this season though, with the Spanish coach having suffered defeat in his first two competitive fixtures as Arsenal manager, it is clear that the 30-year-old would have been an ideal fit in this Gunners midfield.

The Arsenal hierarchy may now regret not having done more to convince the Argentine to make the switch to North London.

Missing link

Granit Xhaka’s removal from proceedings at only half time against Chelsea this weekend, following a dire opening 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge, was emblematic of the Swiss international’s struggles so far this season.

The qualities of the 25-year-old’s game - his exceptional long passing and high technical level - aren’t enough to offset his frailties within Emery’s preferred playing style and system.

Xhaka lacks mobility and defensive awareness. In Emery’s hard pressing system that operates with a high line, those deficiencies can be all too easily exploited to goalscoring effect by the opposition - as Manchester City and Chelsea have both demonstrated already this season.

The addition of Banega, to take Xhaka’s place in the Arsenal starting line up, would have maintained the Gunners’ long ball threat. However, the Argentina international’s tenacity and energy would have reduced some of the team’s weaknesses in the centre of the park too.

The failure to force a deal for Banega may have sealed a long, hard slog of a season for Emery and the midfield contingent currently at this disposal.