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Arsenal are reported to have opened talks with Norwich over the signing of midfielder Emiliano Buendia, who will likely cost around £40m.

The Gunners are said to have turned to the Argentinian star after deciding he’s a more obtainable target than Martin Odegaard. The Real Madrid man has been a hit in north London, making 19 appearances, scoring twice. Arsenal would like to sign the Norwegian permanently, with Odegaard having told those close to him he’d also like to stay.

However, Real Madrid have plans of their own for Odegaard and plan to intergrate the Norwegian into their side next season.

As such, the Gunners have quickly turned to Buendia. Their interest in him has spanned several months and it was claimed last week those plans had escalated.

The Canaries value Buendia in the £40m mark. At 24 years of age, the star has underlined his qualities in the Championship this season. He has scored 15 times and created 16 more as Norwich steamrollered their way to promotion.

Buendia was also named Championship Player of the Year in the process.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have now escalated those talks with Norwich. Furthermore, they claim there is an acceptance at Carrow Road that their leading light will move on this summer.

And while there is competition emerging from Aston Villa, it is Arsenal who are emerging as favourites.

In addition, the report claims Arsenal’s new director of football Richard Garlick is desperate to make Buendia his first signing.

However, the Canaries’ valuation still represents something of an issue for the Gunners. It’s reported the Gunners will try and get creative to try and drive down his asking price. That could involve the likes of Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson being offered to Norwich as part of the deal.

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Norwich will sell Buendia for ‘unbelievable fee’

Buendia has also been linked with moves to Liverpool and Leeds in the past. Norwich though are realistic about their prospects of keeping him, despite their return to Premier League.

Speaking earlier this month, Norwich boss Daniel Farke said it would take an ‘unbelievable offer’ for Arsenal to land Buendia.

“Of course if one of the best clubs in the world wants Emi as a starter and makes an unbelievable offer then it could be a realistic solution for all parties,” said Farke.

“But Emi is a key player and it is always our task to make sure that we keep the key players.

“It is due to the great work of Stuart Webber we have them under long term contracts.

“That means if a club wants them they have to invest an unbelievable amount of money.

“If there is a club who want to put some crazy offers out then maybe you use this to help the club in the future.

“But as a head coach my first thought is to work further on with our key players.”

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