Norwich City are reportedly set to demand at least £35 million to part ways with Emiliano Buendia, who is a summer target for Arsenal.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Arsenal have learnt how much they will have to cough up in order to secure the services of Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window. Norwich City are set to demand at least £35 million for the Argentine playmaker, who is also a target for Aston Villa.
Arsenal are set to continue their squad overhaul under Mikel Arteta going into the summer transfer window, and bolstering their creative ranks is deemed to be imperative. The Gunners have been considerably improved creatively in the second half of the season, which has been enabled by the arrival of Martin Odegaard on loan from Real Madrid as well as the advent of Emile Smith Rowe.
While Smith Rowe looks set to continue his upward trajectory next season, Odegaard appears unlikely to be signed permanently by Arsenal this summer, with Real Madrid likely to price them out of a possible deal. As a result, the Gunners have had to set their sights elsewhere, which has seen them take a serious look at Emiliano Buendia again.
Buendia has previously spent a season in the Premier League, having been one of the best creative forces in the competition and impressing to no end in 2019/20 despite Norwich City’s relegation to the Championship. The 24-year-old Argentine midfielder was subsequently linked with Arsenal and others last summer, as well as in January, before a move failed to materialise.
Buendia, though, put his head down and delivered the goods once again for Norwich, managing a impressive tally of 15 goals and 17 assists in 39 Championship outings. Suffice to say, the player has attracted some of the best clubs in England once again, with Arsenal back in the hunt for him.
In addition, the Gunners are also reportedly facing competition from Leeds United, with Sky Sports claiming that Aston Villa wish to sign him as well. Arsenal and the other suitors, though, will need to fork out at least £35 million to secure the services of Buendia, whose asking price could go up to around £40 million.
For now, Arsenal have made an enquiry for Buendia heading into the summer transfer window and a move could well be in the offing. What now remains to be seen is if the north Londoners are ready to meet Norwich’s £35 million valuation of the 24-year-old midfielder, or if they negotiate a lower sum to land him.