Arsenal are reportedly set to face stiff competition from Leeds United in pursuit of Norwich City player Emiliano Buendia this summer.
A recent report from Foot Mercato has shed some light on the future of Emiliano Buendia. The Norwich City playmaker is facing an uncertain future at Carrow Road, with multiple clubs across England, including Arsenal eyeing a summer swoop.
Norwich City are not too keen on offloading Buendia, but they might be forced to a sale, as the Argentine himself will be desperate to seal a move to a bigger club, especially after remaining at Carrow Road last summer. He is currently valued at around €40 million, with Arsenal being joined by Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa and Sevilla in the transfer pursuit.
Even Leeds United are considering a move for Buendia this summer, as they continue their search for a replacement for Rodrigo Moreno. The Spaniard is highly expected to leave Elland Road after failing to settle into English football, while the Whites are also expected to part ways with veteran playmaker Pablo Hernandez.
.@EM10Buendia, take a bow! ⭐️
The @NorwichCityFC man is officially the @SkyBetChamp Player of the Season!#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/bCU6v5vebP
— EFL (@EFL) April 29, 2021
Buendia has, thus, emerged as one of the desired options for Marcelo Bielsa, with the Yorkshire outfit hoping that the Argentine connection between the player and the manager could spark things up next season. Leeds United, though, could face major competition from Arsenal, who are desperately looking for creative reinforcements in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Although the Gunners are primarily looking at Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal, they have identified a list of alternatives including another Real Madrid starlet in Takefusa Kubo. Buendia, in that regard, could another exciting alternative, having emerged as the player of the season in the Championship this term.
His 14 goals and 17 assists have indeed helped the Canaries become the best team in the second division and earn a direct promotion back to the Premier League. The Argentine, in fact, had made quite an impact in the top-flight last season. Although the playmaker scored just one goal, his tally of seven assists and a whole lot of chances created raised the eyebrows of quite a lot of analysts and experts.
At Arsenal, Buendia could emerge as an ideal alternative for top target Odegaard. He has experience of performing in the Premier League and for a fee of €40 million, he is indeed a cost-effective alternative for the Norwegian international.
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Arsenal, though, need to be swift in their approach to sign the Norwich City playmaker, especially amid interest from Leeds United and several other Premier League clubs. An intriguing summer beckons for Buendia and his suitors.
