Arsenal discover Emi Buendia transfer price tag as Norwich chief speaks out
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Norwich talisman Emi Buendia is likely to be one of the most sought-after stars making the jump to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal understood to be among the clubs in hot pursuit.
The Argentinian scored 15 goals and recorded 16 assists—four more than any other player in the Championship—as the Canaries finished first to regain their place among England’s elite next term.
Buendia, 24, was named Championship Player of the Season for his contributions, and Norwich are expecting a record sale figure if they do decide to cash in.
The Mirror quoted the club’s sporting director, Stuart Webber, who gave some idea of their valuation for players like Buendia, Todd Cantwell or Max Aarons: "If we do sell one, it's going to be a club record deal.
"It's probably going to start with a number three in front of it.
"That will give us great opportunities to maybe make the whole better as well. We're really relaxed on that front."
Ben Godfrey holds the current record for Norwich’s record sale following his £25 million transfer to Everton last summer.
Buendia reportedly ‘would accept’ a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta plans another rebuild.
The Gunners will be desperate to improve after a second straight eighth-place finish in the Premier League, set to embark on their first campaign since 1995 without any European football.
Watford and Brentford—who beat Swansea 2-0 in Saturday's Championship play-off final—are the other teams joining the Canaries in promotion.
Buendia told Argentinian outlet Radio Residencias in January that a return to England’s top flight was his priority: "Yes, I always say it. It is the best league in the world, it is the one that makes the difference at all levels.
"Any team makes life difficult for anyone, it is very complicated. Their organisational level is perfect, the stadiums have a lot of history, the conditions for playing football are ideal, there are no excuses. And the players and the teams are the best.
"I aspire to the best and work every day to get back to it, either in my team or through a transfer. Returning to the Premier in the short term is a dream.”
Arsenal’s transfer prospects are likely to be affected by the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League, but Buendia should still be a realistic target.
The winger was named in the latest Argentina squad ahead of their upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, where he hopes to make his senior international debut.
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- Arsenal FC
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