Aston Villa will make Emi Buendia their first signing in the summer transfer window.
Villa was eager to make Buendia a part of Dean Smith’s squad after the Argentine winger’s stellar campaign helped Norwich win the league title.
The 24-year-old was named the league’s Player of the Year after directly contributing to 31 goals – scoring 15 times and adding 16 assists.
Buendia fits the profile of the players Villa is looking to sign this summer and here’s the latest:
Villa announces transfer
Buendia will be the first summer arrival at Villa Park after having passed his medical training and personal terms during his international assignment with Argentina.
Arsenal were also interested in the championship player of the season, but Villa moved swiftly to beat the Gunners with a deal worth roughly £ 33m plus add-ons to Buendia’s signature, the current record fee set for Ollie Watkins paid last summer dwarfed.
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Buendia got a clear idea of where he would fit on the team since Villas was the primary target for the window.
The signing is imminent and Goal reports that it could be announced as early as Sunday. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal pursued their interest with an offer that was rejected by Norwich.
Norwich confirms expected transfer fee
Norwich Sporting Director Stuart Webber recently confirmed that the Buendia sale would require a record club fee.
Norwich’s promotion to the Premier League means they are in a stronger position to keep key players like Buendia, Todd Cantwell and Max Aarons.
But the Carrow Road Club would be ready to sell if the price is right, and Webber says he will seek at least £ 30 million for each of them – a number that dwarfs their previous record sales from Ben Godfrey to Everton last year would £ 25 million.
Webber told BBC Sport, “If we sell one, it’ll be a club record deal. It will likely start with a number three in front of it.
“That will give us great opportunities, maybe to improve the whole (squad). We’re really relaxed there. “
Norwich has also cashed in interest in assets like James Maddison as well as Godfrey in the past.
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On the subject of matching items
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On the subject of matching items
Villa should “play” Buendia
Kevin Phillips believes Aston Villa should take a “slight risk” and sign Buendia to replace outgoing Ross Barkley.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said, “I think he was their best player this season, he’s probably the player of the season in this league and he was one of the main reasons Norwich won it.
“It just got sour at Ross Barkley towards the end. I was excited when he first left. I backed it up and it started well, then it just took off and it didn’t work so Buendia could be a player Villa will check out.
“If you can get in touch with him, you know you’re getting a good player, but it’s also a bit of a gamble because we don’t know what he’s going to be like.
“He’ll be a marked man in the Premier League after the season he’s had, but he certainly has the quality and I could see a few other clubs making inquiries as well.”
Buendia comments on transfer claims
Buendia has spoken of his desire to play at the “highest level” given Villa’s interest in the Norwich star.
Norwich finished bottom of the Premier League in the 2019-20 season and Buendia was involved in eight of their 26 goals.
“You always dream of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe,” Buendia told the media company AS.
“You dream of playing for titles, it is my ambition, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing well and it is a motivation to keep working and one day to reach. ”
Emi Buendia of Norwich City celebrates after scoring after
Why are villas interested in it?
Sports director Johan Lange was tasked with looking for suitable new signings, particularly in midfield and attacking areas, in order to continue Villa’s upward trend in the top division.
Owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens stand ready to fund further significant expenses in the transfer market after providing funding to Smith and the recruiting team over the past few summers.
Grealish’s injury-related absence hit Villa hard, while there is also room for reinforcements after Trezeguet was out with a long-term knee injury.
Buendia would check several boxes. He has several years of experience in English football, has impressed in both the Premier League and the championship, and at 24 has the potential to keep improving.
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Which other clubs were interested?
Villa’s Premier League rivals Arsenal, Spurs, Leeds United and West Ham have also been linked.
Foot Mercato recently added Crystal Palace to Buendia’s admirers list, as did Spanish teams Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal.
Norwich cost just £ 1.4m from Getafe in 2018 and will make a handsome profit with the winger if he leaves.
