Arsene Wenger
Wenger is on the lookout for a second striker to assist skipper Robin van Persie. REUTERS

With the January transfer window close at hand, Arsenal have been linked with Valencia's 'complete midfielder' Ever Banega as Wenger hopes to strengthen his midfield further.

Wenger, who has always shown his appreciation for players who are versatile and, most importantly, adaptable with the ability to think fast, hopes that he can lure away Banega from Mestalla as he is not a big name and there will be no need to break the bank to land him.

Banega has been a regular at Valencia first team for the past two and a half years and, because of his versatility, he has regularly been linked with Europe's most elite clubs. The 23-year-old Argentinean has spent almost four years in the La Liga and may be tempted with a move to the Premiership.

Banega has been sidelined with a minor knee injury for the past couple of weeks, according to a Caughtoffside report.

Ever Maximiliano David Banega, who arrived at Valencia on a five and-a-half year deal for a fee of around €18 million in 2008, has made 106 appearances for the club.