Norwich place ‘crazy’ price tag on Buendia amid continued Arsenal interest

Emi Buendia TEAMtalk

Norwich have placed a “crazy” price tag on their midfielder schemer Emiliano Buendia, according to Sky Sports, amid continued interest from Arsenal.

The fact that Arsenal have been tracking the 24-year-old is well documented. Valencia are also believed to be chasing the Argentinian, according to La Razon.

Harry Winks is understood to be Valencia’s top target, but Buendia is a back-up option. However, both clubs have one major obstacle in their way – the player’s price tag.

Sky’s Transfer Show claim that Championship promotion-hopefuls Norwich want in the region of £40m-£50m for the talented player.

Buendia has seven goals and seven assists in 20 Championship games this season with Norwich sitting top of the table.

Kaveh Solhekol says Buendia is focused on promotion with the Canaries.

Solhekol said: “One player they (Arsenal) have been watching very closely is Emi Buendia at Norwich City.

“I have been in touch with some people close to the player today. They say the situation is that the player himself is focused on his job at Norwich. They are doing really well in the Championship, top of the table. Norwich can see the Premier League on the horizon.

“The problem Arsenal would have with trying to sign him this month is how much it would cost. Norwich are a very well-run club with a sustainable business model. I have been told it would take a crazy offer for them to be tempted to sell him this month. A crazy offer we are looking at somewhere between £40m and £50m.”

Meanwhile, fellow Sky reporter Dharmesh Sheth added: “Norwich are under no pressure to sell Buendia. He is under contract. Daniel Farke has already said that none of his top players will be leaving this month.

“There was talk of Todd Cantwell as well during the last transfer window. It looks like he will be staying and Buendia as well.

“That link with Arsenal hasn’t gone away but what has been consistent from the Norwich end is that there is no pressure to sell, we are going for promotion to the Premier League and he will be a key part of that.”

 

 

The fee really is a huge stumbling block. Buendia does have until June 2024 on his existing contract. However, is time in the top flight last season was average at best with one goal and seven assists from 36 games.

Ozil pay cut

Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil says joining Fenerbahce will be a “dream come true”.

The 32-year-old has flown to Turkey and will undergo a medical before being officially unveiled later this week.

Ozil is expected to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal after agreeing a termination with Arsenal.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Ozil’s Fenerbahce deal is worth £3.5m a year or £67,300 a week – a substantial decrease on the £350,000 a week he was earning at Arsenal.

It means Ozil has taken an huge £282,000-a-week pay cut in order to sign for the Istanbul-based club.

Ozil said: “I am very excited because I was always a fan of Fenerbahce. My dream comes true.

“I am very excited to wear the Fenerbahce jersey. I hope we will be very successful with my team-mates.

“May God bless our fans, because they always support us. As I mentioned I am very happy to be here.

“I hope that I thank our fans with my good performance on the pitch.”

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