Arsenal: 3 roles Emi Buendia could play if signed

Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Emi Buendia in the summer transfer window, a move that if pulled off will excite supporters who are dazzled by his outstanding form, while also posing the question: where will be play?

Where Arsenal need signings is unarguable, but who they need to fit them is the source of constant debate and intrigue. Nigh on every position in the squad will need seeing to, with strikers, wingers, creative midfielders, central midfielders, central defenders, full-backs and goalkeepers all featuring among the speculated outgoings.

There will be widespread departures in any case, any some of the above may stay put or be filled by internal solutions, yet it’s been made clear that Arsenal will need to sign an advanced creative force.

Martin Odegaard’s future in north London is up in the air. Zinedine Zidane’s own future is up for debate which will have implications on the Norwegian, while if Arsenal do pursue a permanent deal they will be forced to part with a large chunk of their meagre budget. Whether or not the 22-year-old is worth such an outlay is a different debate.

3 roles Emi Buendia could play at Arsenal if signed from Norwich in the summer transfer market

Arsenal may feel that even if Odegaard does return to north London another creative midfielder will be sourced, which would explain Arsenal preparing a bid for Emi Buendia.

Arteta wants Odegaard to return but it will be a difficult operation to pull off, and long-standing interest in the Argentine has been building up to this point. Ideally both would be brought in but Arsenal simply do not have the funding unless KSE seriously loosen their purse strings.

It’s felt a move for the Norwich forward is inevitable. Arteta and Edu are pushing for the move and should it come off, the debate over where he lines up comes into play. Naturally a right-winger, Arsenal are heavily stocked in wide departments so there is scope for change. Here are three ways he could be utilised.

1. Emi Buendia as a Right-Winger

The first one, naturally, is his current position although left-winger can be thrown into the equation, too.

At Norwich Buendia is given license to operate and interchange. Lining up on the right, the Canaries see the lion’s share of possession (at least in the Championship) where movement across the front line is encouraged for the Argentine.

Drifting inside, underlapping or overlapping, he can shift across the pitch and link play depending on the opposition’s shape. His movement on the ball is quick, and the bursts of acceleration are so effective down the line.

At Arsenal, forming triangles in wide areas is key component of Arteta’s style. The issue at present is the tempo in these moves. Too often passages are laborious or slow, and adding someone with such a heightened technical ability to play in these areas would up the speed.

Equally, as witnessed against Crystal Palace and has been prevalent for a while, Arteta likes to instruct his No. 10 to interchange with the right-back and right-winger in these moves. Again, that speed of thought Buendia has and burst of pace would suit these phases.

Of course, Arsenal have plenty of wingers in their ranks. Now picked up by various outlets, Willian is looking to leave the club, which if somehow pulled off, would free up a space. Easier said than done, though.