Arsenal could secure Emi Buendia transfer for less than £40m

Arsenal might be able to land one of their key transfer targets, Emi Buendia, on a reduced fee after Norwich’s sporting director Stuart Webber revealed the forward is for sale as it will boost the club’s squad building plans.

Mikel Arteta has been a long-time admirer of the Argentine even from his pre-Arsenal days, with concrete interest stretching back to last summer following the Canaries‘ relegation to the Championship.

As work is underway to reshape the outlook of the team heading into a first season in 25 years without European football, securing a playmaker is among the key areas to tend to. Martin Odegaard remains the club’s number one priority but will be a troublesome deal to pull off.

Zinedine Zidane’s departure as manager of Real Madrid has left uncertainty surrounding the Norwegian’s future. Los Blancos are in the hunt for a new boss and whoever takes the reins will have their own opinion on the 22-year-old. Even if he were to become available at some stage it’s a transfer saga likely to play out late into the summer window. Arsenal, like most, want their business concluded sooner.

Arsenal could secure Emi Buendia transfer for less than £40m with Norwich open to lower offers for Argentine and Max Aarons

Buendia remains a target and the Gunners face stiff competition from Aston Villa for his services, although they may push ahead stronger on the 24-year-old given Webbers’ recent comments.

"“If we do sell one [of Buendia, Todd Cantwell or Max Aarons], it’s going to be a club record deal,” he told the BBC. “It’s probably going to start with a number three in front of it and that will give us great opportunities to maybe make the whole better as well. We’re really relaxed on that front.”"

Previously valued at £40m minimum, the figure beginning with a ‘3’ makes his signing more enticing. It’s also been claimed the up-front sum will be far less than initially thought and much will be made up via a series of add-ons and bonuses.

While what follows the first figure isn’t sure, Arsenal will be able to land their man for a more financially appealing number. Norwich will not stand in Buendia’s way and if they receive a satisfactory offer, they will sell.

Webber’s claim that ‘we’re not spending it because we haven’t got it’, acts very much as their own version of a ‘come and get me’ plea.

However, there is a (double) offer Arsenal should be looking to make.

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