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….

Arsenal Unlikely to Pursue Martin Odegaard Deal

While entirely different profiles and nothing alike in terms of their positioning and style, it does appear Arsenal pushing through with Buendia spells the end of Martin Odegaard’s chances to return to north London.

The Norwegian recently said following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment:

"“It is a coach I know and with whom I had a good relationship when he was last there,’ Odegaard told TV2. “In that sense, it is positive. But beyond that, one day has passed, so I do not know too much about what he thinks about things.”"

Depending on your source, the Norwegian has been the club’s number one target this summer since returning to Real Madrid, whereas others list Buendia as the priority. The latter being aided by Richard Garlick’s involvement, who wants to make the forward his first signing since arriving.

Given the limited finances, it would be some shock if Arsenal splashed £40m only to turn around to Madrid and repeat that sum. Other areas need seeing it.

Call it big-headed, but if Aston Villa and Arsenal submit the same offers it shouldn’t be a situation where the Gunners miss out. Ignoring the ‘London life’, the club closest to being involved in European football after next season has to take precedence.

Arteta has been hell-bent on securing Buendia for a number of months and that could also play into his decision, while from stature alone Arsenal, while weakened, are still a massive footballing institute.

The aforementioned Copa America is going to play in part in discussions, and this one will escalate rapidly over the coming days.