Since last summer, Arsenal have been searching for a versatile attacking midfielder. Although Nicolas Pepe has proved that he is capable to create and score for how much Arsenal paid for him, he needs support from other players to challenge for the title. Emiliano Buendia, the Argentine winger from Norwich has been strongly linked with a move from East Anglia to London for more than a year now.
Emiliano has had a tough two seasons at Norwich, where they were relegated from the Premier League, and then immediately bounced back with promotion as Championship winners this campaign. In 39 matches this season, playing as a winger, he converted 16 goals and set up 15 assists. However, to play Arteta’s desired 4-3-3 formation, Buendia would have to move to a more central attacking role as Nicolas Pepe has thrived in his last few games, setting up and scoring numerous goals individually.
At 24 years of age and having previous experience in the Premier League with Norwich City, the Argentine stands out from other candidates such as Houssem Aouar from Olympique Lyonnais who has also been heavily linked to Arsenal last summer and recently in the past few weeks. If you would like to read more on Houssem refer to my previous article.
Acquiring Buendia comes at a very hefty price with the Canaries asking for £40 million, one of the more expensive players on Mikel Arteta’s radar.
Usually, players that have been promoted to the Premier League stay at the club hoping to fight for their spot, but it seems that Emiliano is adamant about leaving Carrow Road.
Analysis:
Below is a diagram with the 4-3-3 formation that Arteta mentioned in early January that was “5 or six players off from working” when he trialed it. It shows Buendia in an almost #10 role supporting the front three and paired with two defensive midfielders.
With Martin Ødegaard returning to Real Madrid but declared Arsenal’s number one target it will be interesting to see which options the Gunners pursue.
The recent sacking of Zidane, to who Ødegaard was not included in his plans means that the Norwegian might try to earn back his spot in Spain with the new Los Blancos manager. Emile Smith-Rowe showed promising glimpses but didn’t live up to his full potential whilst in a #10 role which means that there is a spot open in the Arsenal squad next season.
Final Thoughts:
Buendia would be a great acquisition to the Arsenal side if the deal is negotiated for an acceptable price and Buendia can slide into the role where is needed without a complete switch up of tactics. It is unknown whether any fee has been approved or even talked about yet but as we approach the summer transfer window and major tournaments such as the European Championships and the Copa America, many clubs will assuredly be swarming in on talented players such as the Norwich winger.