Norwich City set asking price for Arsenal transfer target Emi Buendia

19 January 2021 07:45

Norwich City would demand a fee between £40m and £50m from Arsenal if they were to agree to part ways with Emi Buendia this January.

The Argentine playmaker has been linked with a move away from Norwich, with the Gunners interested in bringing him to the Emirates Stadium as they look to add creativity to their squad.

It was previously believed that Buendia would be available for around £25m, with the 24-year-old hoping for a move back to the Premier League after the club's relegation last season.

Buendia played against Arsenal for Norwich in the Premier League last season | Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

He has been in fine form for the Canaries, with seven goals and six assists so far in the Championship to help put his side top of the division. It's because of that fine form and league position that Norwich are reluctant to let him leave this winter, and have decided to slap a huge price tag on his head to try and keep interested parties at bay.

Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol reports that Norwich's price is around £50m and that the player is 'totally focused on his job at Norwich City'.

It is a blow to Arsenal's chances of signing the player, who are likely to be looking to replace Mesut Ozil following his move to Fenerbahce (whenever that's officially announced, anyway).

The emergence of young duo Bukayo Saka and, perhaps more importantly, Emile Smith-Rowe in a creative role in recent weeks could soften the blow for Mikel Arteta's side, and it's possible that they will just wait until the summer before looking to bring in reinforcements.

Ozil wasn't registered for the Premier League or Europa League squads anyway, so his departure doesn't leave any holes in the squad in terms of depth. Though with his wages off the books, Arsenal should have a bit more financial freedom in the transfer market.

Source: 90min