Arsenal prepare player-plus-cash move for Norwich playmaker Emi Buendia

Arsenal are preparing a player-plus-cash deal for Norwich’s highly-rated midfielder Emi Buendia.

Gunners chiefs are looking to bolster the squad with creativity as Mikel Arteta looks to continue their revival.

The manager has suggested this will come mainly from thinning down the squad, sending out players on loan and permanent exits.

But the Independent have reported that the Gunners are trying to get the best of both worlds with a move for Norwich midfielder Buendia.

The Argentine, who boasts Premier League experience with the Canaries from last season, has continued to impress in the Championship by scoring seven goals and making seven assists.

With Arteta admiring the the 24-year-old and eyeing him up for “improving his side’s fluidity and creativity”, it could see Arsenal offer a player in return to the Carrow Road side.

Midfielders Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are the names the Gunners would be willing to offer Norwich, according to the report.

While manager Daniel Farke has said that Buendia will not leave the club, it is understood they will not stop him from leaving.

This depends on the East Anglian side getting the right deal, with the report stating they are looking for £40m in a transfer.

But Arsenal believe that offering Willock and Nelson, who have made just 23 appearances between them this season, would tempt the Championship side.

Buendia showed the north London side what he can do in Norwich’s latest fixture, scoring an incredible volley to beat Barnsley 1-0 and keep his side four points clear at the top of the table.

And Farke was full of praise while also firing a warning to the Gunners over a move.

He said: “Emi is a key player for us, an important member of the group, and he is totally committed to us.

“He is our player and will continue to be our player. He is on a long-term contract so we keep him.

“Everyone knows his qualities – I don’t expect interest just because he scored a wonder goal today. People know what he can do.”

It comes as Arteta’s revamp at the club could see five players follow William Saliba out the door.

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