Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over a move for Norwich midfielder Emiliano Buendia as they look to fend off competition from Aston Villa.
Norwich are demanding a £40 million fee for the 24-year-old, while the Canaries are also due to pay a sell-on fee as part of their agreement with Buendia’s former club Getafe.
In a sign that he will be in the dugout next season, Mikel Arteta is expecting to be backed by owner Stan Kroenke this summer.
According to the Mail, the Gunners are looking to beat off competition from Villa to sign the Argentina international, who registered 15 goals and 16 assists for Norwich in their Championship-winning campaign.
The report also claims that Richard Garlick, who is Arsenal’s new director of football, is keen to make Buendia his first signing.
The midfielder was also named the Championship’s player of the season and has been called up to Argentina’s national squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking earlier this month, Norwich boss Daniel Farke said it would take an ‘unbelievable offer’ for Arsenal to land Buendia.