Aston Villa officially confirm agreement with Norwich for Buendia transfer
Aston Villa have announced they have agreed a deal with Norwich for midfielder Emiliano Buendia, believed to be around £33m.
Buendia was the Canaries’ player of the season as they won the Championship title and sealed an immediate return to the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and registering 16 assists – creating more chances than any other player in the division.
Arsenal were also reported to have been interested in signing the 24-year-old but Villa have moved quickly to land their transfer target.
“Aston Villa and Norwich City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emiliano Buendia,” said a Villa statement.
“As Emiliano is currently in the Argentina national team’s biosecure bubble, preparing for a World Cup qualifying match with Colombia on Tuesday evening, he will undergo a medical and complete the transfer after the game.”
The reported £33m fee would be a club-record for Villa, with add-ons potentially taking the final figure nearer to £40m.
The transfer will be almost £10m more than their previous record signing, which was the £30.6m paid to Brentford for Ollie Watkins.
Villa boss Dean Smith guided the club to an 11th-placed finish in the Premier League last season and last week outlined the club’s aspirations by saying their owners are determined to break into the “upper echelons” of the top flight.
The prospect of Buendia and Jack Grealish spearheading Villa’s attack is certainly a mouth-watering one for Villa supporters.
Norwich signed Buendia from Getafe for around £1.6m in 2018.
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Pereira up for grabs at West Brom
Meanwhile, Villa are one of the clubs to have made an enquiry about Matheus Pereira.
West Brom have told Pereira that he can leave the club this summer, but only for the right offer, TEAMtalk can reveal.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder has been brilliant for the Baggies since initially arriving on loan from Sporting Lisbon in 2019. However, he is now certain to move on after West Brom were once again relegated from the Premier League this past season.
The 25-year-old is now being chased by a number of clubs who are ready to pay for Pereira – with West Brom believed to be looking for at least £15m.
Indeed, whilst West Brom have told Pereira that they won’t stop him leaving – they would have no qualms about keeping him if their valuation is not met – and with Premier League parachute payments, they would be able to cope with the finances if required.
One club who are looking closely is newly promoted Norwich, who will need a replacement for Buendia. Play-off winners Brentford are also believed to be fans, whilst Villa and Brighton have also made enquiries.
READ MORE: Aston Villa told unlucky England man is ‘not for sale’
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