Norwich facing battle to keep Emiliano Buendia amid Arsenal interest

Norwich are facing a real battle to prevent their star player Emiliano Buendia from leaving this summer, according to ex-Canary Robert Green.  

Buendia is the subject of huge interest from several clubs, with Arsenal keenest having formally opened talks with the Argentine earlier this week. 

Aston Villa are also strongly pursuing the £40million-rated forward, who was the best player in Norwich’s Championship-winning season that has seen them make an immediate return to the Premier League.

Norwich may not keep hold of Emiliano Buendia, who said he wants to play at the ‘highest level’

Buendia scored 15 goals and provided 17 assists in the league, and was voted the Championship Player of the Season. 

Worryingly for Norwich and encouragingly for Arsenal, Buendia recently spoke of his ambitions to get to the top table of football.  

‘One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe,’ he told Spanish newspaper AS.

‘One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it.’

Robert Green (right) admits Buendia (left) should leave ‘when you’re playing really well’ 

Ex-Norwich and England goal-keeper Robert Green also admitted that now is the time for Buendia to make a move having proven his ability.

‘He’s the best player in the Championship. He’s improved and has an edge. But without that edge I don’t think you get the same player,’ Green told the Mirror. 

‘It’s a tough one (the transfer), because I see it from the player’s perspective.  

‘And if ever there’s a time to go it’s when you’re playing really well and you’re confident. He’s just been called into the Argentina team too, so it points in certain directions I guess.

‘I’m sure the Norwich fans will be saying ‘well we’re back in the Premier League so we need him to help us’.

Buendia is valued at £40m by Norwich with a percentage sell-on due to his former club Getafe

‘But it’s a tough one, because everyone has got a price in the end.’ 

There is an acceptance that Buendia will leave and Arsenal’s new director of football Richard Garlick seems determined to make the 24-year old their first signing of the summer.  

Arsenal fans are eager to see change following a hugely underwhelming season and Garlick wants to ensure his tenure gets off to a strong start.

Discussions have escalated quickly with Norwich eager to avoid a transfer saga dragging on through the summer.

The Carrow Road club anticipate offers of around £35million plus add-ons and Arsenal know Villa have the financial muscle to compete. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to boost his squad and Buendia is a key target for the club