Arsenal could have to part ways with Martin Odegaard at the end of this season and according to Goal, the Gunners want to bring in Emiliano Buendia as his long-term replacement.
The report claims: “The Gunners are on the look out for a new playmaker this summer and technical director Edu is keen on Norwich City’s Argentine star. The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Norwich playmaker and have watched him on countless occasions during his three-year spell at Carrow Road.
“Odegaard’s future remains unclear, with Madrid expected to give him an opportunity next season should current boss Zinedine Zidane move on at the end of the campaign.
“Goal has learnt that technical director Edu has started to step up the club’s interest in Buendia, who is keen on making the move to north London.”
Recent rumours have suggested that Odegaard could be looking to stay back at Arsenal since he has full faith that he can turn into an important player under Mikel Arteta next season. And if the Gunners can hold onto him then they are no longer going to pursue Emiliano Buendia in the summer.
But if Real Madrid calls Odegaard back then someone like Buendia will be the perfect replacement for the Norwegian international.
The 24-year-old has been on fire this season for Norwich City, scoring 15 and assisting 17 goals for the club and he’s also just been awarded the Championship’s player of the season.
Norwich City will return to the Premier League next season and with three years remaining on this deal, the Canaries will be in no hurry to cash Buendia during the summer window.
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Also, any other season and the playmaker would have packed his bags and left for Arsenal without thinking twice but right now the Gunners are in a big mess and we are not sure if any developing player will want to risk joining them this season.
Apart from Martin Odegaard, Arsenal also have Emile Smith Rowe amongst their ranks so if Emiliano Buendia was to move to the Emirates next season then he is not likely to be a guaranteed starter.
Lastly, TransferMarkt currently values the playmaker at around £20 million but with three years left on his current deal, Norwich City are going to quote an extraordinary price for Emiliano Buendia. And with no European football in their roster, we are not sure just how much the Gunners can afford to pay for him.
