Arsenal signing this proven 24-year-old Argentine creator would be a smart move by Arteta

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Sayan Chatterjee

Why Arsenal should go all out in their pursuit of Emiliano Buendia

According to CBS Sports (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal are lining up a swoop for in-demand Norwich City playmaker Emiliano Buendia during the January transfer window. 

As per the report, the Gunners are ready to orchestrate a player-plus-cash deal to tempt the Canaries into selling the Argentine maestro. It has been claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side could potentially offload Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson as a part of a deal to bring Buendia to North London. 

The player himself is ready to force through a move to the Emirates, although Arsenal are yet to submit an official bid for the 24-year-old. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes Buendia’s move to the Emirates could well depend on whether the Gunners manage to offload some of their fringe stars. (h/t Daily Express)

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BRISTOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 31: Emiliano Buendia of Norwich City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on October 31, 2020 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Buendia started his professional career with Getafe in Spain before moving to Norwich City in the summer of 2018. He made an instant impact in the Championship, starring with 8 goals and 12 assists in 38 appearances to guide the Canaries to automatic promotion in his debut season. 

The former Argentina U-20 international caught the eye in the Premier League last term, despite Norwich finishing bottom of the table. Buendia amassed a goal and 7 assists in 36 appearances, earning rave reviews for his performances in the top-flight. He has carried his rich vein of form into the Championship this season, registering 7 goals and 6 assists in just 19 appearances for Daniel Farke’s pace-setters. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal have breathed some oxygen into their floundering campaign with back-to-back wins over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom in recent weeks. Having said that, however, they need to consolidate on their recent rejuvenation to overturn a dismal start to the season.

Emiliano Buendia makes choice clear amid Leeds, Villa, Palace links

Consistency, though, will hold the key for Mikel Arteta’s side during a hectic second-half of the season. Arsenal have struggled for goals in the PL this season, scoring only 20 in 17 games so far.

The manager should, therefore, look to bolster his creative firepower this month. Mesut Ozil has been frozen out of the mix while Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe and Willian have failed to make any real impact. 

Putting things into context, Arsenal are crying out for some transfer spark in January and Emiliano Buendia ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door at the Emirates as a quality addition to Arteta’s ranks.

Having proven his worth at Norwich in the top-flight last season, the Argentine could well be the impact signing that the Gunners need to spice up their attack. Going by the numbers, Buendia has created a total of 62 chances in the Championship this season.

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Reading v Norwich City Sky Bet Championship Emiliano Buendia of Norwich celebrates scoring his sides 1st goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Madejski Stadium (Getty Images)

Besides his obvious ability to deliver goals and assists, Buendia’s work rate should make him an excellent fit for Arteta’s philosophy at Arsenal. His heat map in the Championship this season clearly shows that the Argentine covers a lot of ground and is always ready to do a job for his side at both ends of the pitch. 

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Verdict

Emiliano Buendia has been among the most productive playmakers in English football over the past 18 months and still has plenty of room for development at 24. While he could be an immediate game-changer for Arsenal in the second half of the season, Buendia potentially ticks the box as an excellent long-term acquisition.