Arsenal have £30m Emi Buendia bid rejected by Norwich

Arsenal have had an opening bid of £30m rejected by Norwich as they try hard to sign Emi Buendia this summer transfer window, one of Mikel Arteta’s primary attacking targets.

The Argentine has been on the Gunners’ radar since before the start of the previous season, having hugely impressed in the Premier League despite the Canaries’ ill-fated campaign.

What did Arsenal struggle with most last season? If the answer isn’t scoring goals then the question was formulated wrong. Therefore, given the attacking midfield options Arsenal are chasing, it’s little surprise to see Buendia pushed for so strongly.

Netting 15 goals and clocking up 16 assists in last season’s Championship, the 24-year-old won the Player of the Season gong and topped almost every statistical chart one could ask for in a player of his ilk.

Arsenal see £30m Emi Buendia bid rejected by Norwich in summer transfer window tussle with Aston Villa

It’s been accepted for some time at Carrow Road that once an acceptable offer arrives for Buendia, his parent club will sell. Such a supremely talented forward, who was recently called up to the Argentina international squad, is deserving of European football (or at least a team trying to secure it) as opposed to a potential relegation scrap. Norwich have set their valuation, and Arsenal haven’t matched.

Yet.

Charlie Wyett revealed that a £30m+ bid for Buendia has been lodged by both Arsenal and Aston Villa, with the two proposals knocked back.

It is fully expected that both clubs will return with improved offers, and despite the Norfolk outfit holding firm on £40m, a deal is expected to be struck soon. And urgency is incredibly important. In under two weeks the Copa America kicks off with Buendia involved, and for all parties in question having this transfer concluded early is beneficial.

Norwich will need to source a replacement, whether internally or externally, while Arteta is starting to shape his squad for the upcoming season, their first without European football for 25 years.

Buendia is an outstanding talent. Supporters have been pining for his addition just like the recruitment side, and bringing him in will bring richly needed pace and trickery, but most importantly goal threat, to a shot-shy side.

Versatility across the forward line – an increasingly important note when squads can be trimmed due to a lack of midweek action – makes him an enticing prospect, but so too his ball carrying ability, two footedness and defensive output.

But, if Arsenal continue to push through, what does this mean for other positions?

Continued….