Arsenal make final Emi Buendia January transfer decision after Norwich name asking price

Arsenal: Arteta previews Crystal Palace clash

Arsenal are set to walk away from a deal to land Norwich star Emi Buendia after they named their asking price. The Argentine is a top transfer target at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta chases a creative midfielder but he must work with a budget at the Emirates.

Arsenal will not sign Buendia in the current transfer window after Norwich demanded a mammoth fee.

The Argentine has been touted as one of Arteta’s preferred targets as he chases a creative midfielder.

It has been a problem for the north London outfit this season, with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos failing to supply the strikers.

With Mesut Ozil also on the way out, there is a need for a playmaker.

Buendia has been identified as a top target after a brilliant campaign, where he has scored seven and grabbed six assists, following on from his fine year last term in the Premier League.

Despite their relegation, the 24-year-old was one of their best performers and is one of the main reasons why Norwich are now top of the Championship.

But a move to Arsenal now appears to be ruled out after Norwich demanded £39m for his services.

According to Todofichajes, that sum has been branded exorbitant by the Gunners – who are now looking elsewhere.

It will come as a blow to Arteta, but he will understand that the club need to work within a budget after an uncertain year financially.

The Emirates outfit will now look at other targets and have been linked with Julian Draxler, Pedro Neto and Manor Solomon.

Buendia stated earlier this month that he would love to play in the Premier League after getting a taste last year.

He told Radio Residencias in Argentina: “Yes [I want to return to the Premier League], 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.

“It is true that there was a lot of talk in the summer, after relegation, about the possibility that both I and other teammates could leave the team to continue in the Premier League.”

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