Arsenal want Emi Buendia transfer irrespective of Martin Odegaard

Do Arsenal Need Emi Buendia and Martin Odegaard?

If, and it’s an ‘if’ we’ll hear plenty of, Arsenal win the Europa League then they’re in dreamland. It’s tough to put into words just how transformative it will be to everything Arteta is trying to build.

Financially it will allow them to go out and pursue deals like a £40m move for Buendia, while realistically they will be able to cast their wider to players who desire Champions League football.

As for the two mentioned, they operate in different positions so it isn’t a like for like. Buendia isn’t a natural winger by any means and loves drifting centrally and picking up room in the half-spaces, much like Arteta is asking of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. The full-backs provide the width so Buendia doesn’t have to, even if he loves being the widest point of progressive triangles.

His quality is evident and seeing the trajectory of his career is hugely encouraging as he continues to improve week upon week. However, should Arsenal do as hoped and get back into elite European competition as well as secure Odegaard on loan, they won’t suddenly be stinking rich. £40m may be a figure they can part with but that doesn’t imply there will be another £40m lying around for someone else.

With losses next year that are projected to top £200m, adding to the £50m from last year, and the struggles they’ll have getting good prices for some of their players with clubs all dealing with their own financial woes, what money they have must be used in the right areas.

Buendia would be most welcome, but Arsenal are thin in midfield and lacking at full-back, while a striker looks set to be imperative with so many futures uncertain.

The top clubs strengthen when they’re at their strongest. Arsenal can’t add the a cherry on a cake that is still baking.