Emi Buendia to Aston Villa ‘will be done’ as Arsenal ‘never made an official offer’

Arsenal: Arteta outlines Willock's future after Newcastle loan

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Aston Villa will beat Arsenal to the signing of Emi Buendia after the Gunners ‘never made an official offer’ for the attacking midfielder, according to reports from Argentina. Both Villa and Arsenal had been claimed to have made offers worth £30million for Buendia in recent days. However, it appears that is not the case on Arsenal’s part.

Buendia still has three years remaining on his contract at Norwich.

The 24-year-old contributed 31 goals and assists as the Canaries returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season.

Arsenal were linked with his signature in January but instead chose to sign Martin Odegaard on loan.

Mikel Arteta wants to bring Odegaard back to the Emirates but it remains to be seen if Real Madrid would be prepared to sell or loan the Norway star again.

JUST IN: Juventus’ private stance on Cristiano Ronaldo exit as Man Utd offered transfer

Buendia is an alternative to Odegaard but it looks like Arsenal are about to accept defeat to Villa.

That is because Argentina football reporter Cesar Luis Merlo claims Buendia is now ‘one step away’ from moving to Villa Park.

Villa are advanced in their negotiations and a deal will be struck close to £30m (€35m).

Merlo claims Arsenal in fact never submitted an official bid to Norwich for Buendia.

DON’T MISS
How Man Utd could line up with 5 signings after Joel Glazer transfer promise [COMMENT]
Daniel Levy refused to perform Harry Kane Tottenham U-turn to suit Antonio Conte [REPORT]
Roman Abramovich could intervene as Granovskaia shows ruthless side at Chelsea [RUMOUR]

Norwich boss Daniel Farke has previously admitted it is unrealistic for the club to keep hold of the likes of Buendia.

However, Farke says the midfielder will only leave if the price is right.

Speaking in April, Farke said: “We have to be realistic, we are a self-funding club and will always have to develop our players.

“Of course if one of the best clubs in the world wants Emi as a starter and makes an unbelievable offer then it could be a realistic solution for all parties.

“If there is a club who wants to put some crazy offers out then maybe you use this to help the club in the future, but as a head coach my first thought is to work further on with our key players.”

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber spoke last month in more general terms about the future of the club’s top players.

“If we do sell one, it’s going to be a club record deal,” Webber said.

“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.”

Source: Read Full Article