Arsenal may have to splash £50 million if they are to secure the services of Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia this January.
In the latest episode of the Transfer Show, as reported by Express, Sky Sports pundit Kaveh Solhekol has shed some light on Arsenal’s pursuit of Emiliano Buendia. He claims that the Gunners could find it difficult to meet Norwich City’s demand for the player, even though they have been following him closely this season.
In fact, Solhekol claims Arsenal may have to splash somewhere in the region of £40 million to £50 million in order to attain the services of Buendia. He further claims that the player himself isn’t desperate to move to Emirates and is currently focused on the task at hand at Carrow Road, with the Canaries hoping to gain direct promotion to the Premier League next season.
“I have been in touch with some people close to the player today. They say the situation is that the player himself is focused on his job at Norwich. They are doing really well in the Championship, top of the table. They can see the Premier League on the horizon. The problem Arsenal would have with trying to sign him this month is how much it would cost.”, said Solhekol, in the Transfer Show.
“I have been told it would take a crazy offer for them to be tempted to sell him this month. A crazy offer we are looking at somewhere between £40m and £50m.”, he added – in what could serve as a massive blow for the Gunners in their pursuit of Buendia.
? Emiliano Buendia's Premier League 2019/20 & Championship stats
He created 83 chances, only KDB, Trent & Grealish created more chances last season pic.twitter.com/mU8jOFOx6w
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 4, 2021
The club has already had their fair share of troubles regarding finances over the past couple of years, which is why the north London giants have shown an intense determination to get rid of fringe players in this January transfer window. Sead Kolasinac has already re-joined FC Schalke on loan while Shkodran Mustafi has been primed to joined Hertha Berlin.
The biggest news for Arsenal fans this week has been the departure of Mesut Ozil. The star playmaker has confirmed his move to Fenerbahce, which is why Mikel Arteta’s interest in signing Buendia comes as no surprise. Although Emile Smith Rowe has enjoyed a rapid breakthrough over the past few weeks, the Spaniard prefers a more proven option who can compete with the youngster in that number ten role.
Buendia, in that regard, could have been an ideal option, having impressed in the Premier League last season. He has a substantial experience of English football – making him a relatively low-risk option. But, his hefty price-tag means Arsenal will now have to shift their attention towards alternatives, with Julian Draxler being one of the potential options.
