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Arsenal Weigh Up Emi Buendia Player-Plus-Cash Deal

By Ross Kennerley

NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Emi Buendia of Norwich City celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Barnsley at Carrow Road on January 02, 2021 in Norwich, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Emi Buendia of Norwich City celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich City and Barnsley at Carrow Road on January 02, 2021 in Norwich, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s English midfielder Reiss Nelson (R) celebrates with Arsenal’s English striker Eddie Nketiah (L) and Arsenal’s English midfielder Joe Willock (Photo by Svein Ove Ekornesvåg / NTB / AFP) / Norway OUT (Photo by SVEIN OVE EKORNESVAG/NTB/AFP via Getty Images) /

Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock

While there are other unmentioned parties, Reiss Nelson is among those who’ve been mentioned as possible candidates to help facilitate a deal for Buendia.

Likewise, Joe Willock is also someone Arsenal will consider offering Norwich in an effort to land the player Arteta is said to value highly.

How much either Willock or Nelson are worth is an inconclusive debate that would only lead to speculating at this point. Both players are under contract until the summer of 2023 and come with the Hale End pedigree, but neither are regular Premier League starters.

As for Norwich, they will demand at least £40m for Buendia despite Daniel Farke stating he is not for sale – a stance backed up by Sky Sports, who insist no player has asked to leave Carrow Road. Such comments on speculation are normal, however, everyone has their price and if the Canaries’ valuation is met they’re widely expected to accept any deal.

https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1346083378689421317

Given the profile of player, Nelson would be the obvious option to fill the wide berth that the 24-year-old would leave behind if they agreed to a player-plus-cash deal.

A right-winger by trade, Buendia has previously mentioned his preference to play as a No. 10. Arteta, on the other hand, is shifting away from such a structure and instead prefers two advanced No. 8’s who can interchange in the long-term. Now is about finding those who can play alongside Thomas Partey in the midfield trio.

Buendia is not a No. 8 nor a No. 10 at this stage, so it may be that he wants to alter his system, gradually bed the Argentine into the role or play him wide on the right.

His name is on everyone’s lips, but is he worth parting with one of Willock or Nelson for?

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