Exclusive: Arsenal are on course to complete the signing of Norwich creator Emiliano Buendia, who favours a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer over rival interest from other Premier League sides like Aston Villa, Everton and Wolves.
Buendia impressed in the Premier League in 2019/20 and was recently named Championship player of the season for 2020/21 as Norwich secured promotion back to the top flight.
Buendia, who was first brought to Europe from South America by Real Madrid as a child, made his senior breakthrough at Getafe and has been with Norwich since 2018. He created the fourth most chances of any Premier League player in 2019/20 and showed this season he is too good for the Championship with 32 combined goals and assists in 39 appearances.
Despite interest from Aston Villa, Everton and Wolves, sources have confirmed to 90min that Buendia has his heart set on a move to Arsenal and there is a confidence on both sides that a deal will be done for the Argentine to be playing in north London next season.
Buendia still has a long-term contract at Carrow Road until 2024. However, even after returning to the Premier League, Norwich are prepared to sell their star man.
The Canaries are standing firm on a valuation that 90min understands could be as high as £40m. But even though Arsenal value Buendia at £30m, technical director Edu has assured manager Mikel Arteta they will land the player, who is towards the very top of their summer targets.
Arsenal are in need of fresh creativity in midfield after recently confirming that Martin Odegaard will be returning to parent club Real Madrid at the end of his loan.
Buendia is currently on international duty with Argentina and is awaiting his first senior international cap, having previously representing both Argentina and Spain at junior level.
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Source: 90min
