Arsenal boss Unai Emery has personally called Ever Banega about joining him in London.

Banega has played under the Spaniard at Sevilla and Valencia in recent years. His agent, Marcelo Simonian, was spotted in London last week.

Estadio Deportivo report Emery has made a personal phone call to the 29-year-old in a bid to tempt him to the Emirates.

Banega has played for Sevilla twice, either side of a short stint at Inter Milan.

The midfielder is said to be happy at the La Liga outfit. But Emery's personal relationship may be a huge help to getting the deal over the line.