Arsenal are reportedly ready to re-enter the market for Emiliano Buendia, as the Norwich City star hopes for a big move to the Emirates.
According to CBS Sports, Arsenal are weighing up a summer swoop for Emiliano Buendia. The Norwich City playmaker was one of their top targets in the January transfer window, but the Canaries’ persistence in keeping hold of their star player ultimately forced the Gunners to look elsewhere.
Arsenal, as a result, had to bring Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid. And while the Norwegian international has done extremely well since arriving at the Emirates, it appears Arsenal are unlikely to secure his services permanently, perhaps being put off by Real Madrid’s demands coupled with the player’s lack of form returning from injury.
Arsenal are, thus, ready to rekindle their interest in Buendia, who was the lone spark in Norwich City’s dismal 2019/20 campaign in the Premier League. The 24-year-old was among the league’s best chance creators, but a lack of productivity from teammates saw the Canaries being relegated from the top-flight.
In the Championship, however, Buendia himself has taken care of that missing productivity, netting 15 goals while registering 17 assists, ending up as one of the most productive players in the competition. His contributions in front of goal have been critical in helping Norwich earn a direct promotion back to the Premier League as well.
Only this time, they might have to prepare for life without their main playmaker, who has attracted interest from Arsenal among many other top English clubs.
There is no secret that the Gunners are in the market for the new playmaker this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to replace the departed Mesut Ozil and indeed Odegaard, who is expected to return to Santiago Bernabeu after the end of the season.
One of the players Arsenal are eying is Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt, although the club has also been linked with a potential return of Aaron Ramsey from Juventus.
Buendia, however, remains one of the best options, having showcased his qualities in the Premier League and the Championship. The 24-year-old could thus be an ideal solution in the number ten position for the Gunners, although Arsenal may have to offload certain star players in order to afford the Norwich City starlet.
The likes of Bernd Leno, Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira have been linked with a move away from the Emirates, while Arsenal could get rid of Matteo Guendouzi and even Hector Bellerin.
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It should enough of a financial boost for Arsenal to sign Buendia, who might cost somewhere in the region of £40 million following Norwich City’s promotion back to the top flight. It now remains to be seen if the north Londoners’ opening offer is good enough for them to land the Argentine playmaker.
