Arsenal ‘reignite’ interest in £38m Aston Villa star with Arteta looking to fill specific role
Arsenal are said to be keeping tabs on Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendia as Mikel Arteta searches for a backup for Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners have had a noteworthy transfer window so far with the additions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Mikel Arteta still seems keen to add to his squad, while also looking to offload a star or two.
Saka started in 37 Premier League matches last season and played a total of 3,195 minutes in the Premier League.
With the Champions League being added to Arsenal’s schedule this season, Arteta is seemingly keen to sign a right winger who can backup Saka.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal could ‘reignite’ their interest in Buendia, who they have been linked with in the past.
Prior to his £38m switch to Aston Villa, Arsenal considered signing the Argentine winger after some great years with Norwich City.
Villa won the race to sign the playmaker in the end, but Arsenal could swoop back in for Buendia to rival Saka on the right-hand side.
Buendia has been a solid signing for Aston Villa, although he hasn’t quite hit the heights that were first expected of him.
As a rotation option, he could make for a solid signing for Arsenal. The 26-year-old is under contract with Aston Villa until 2026 and so they are under no pressure to sell.
Arsenal are looking a bit short on attacking options ahead of the new season, with Gabriel Jesus set to miss the start of the season through injury.
“Unfortunately he had a little procedure this morning. He’s had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. He’s going to be out for a few weeks,” Arteta explained.
“A big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona and he was in good condition but unfortunately we lost him.
“We had to look at it and we had to make a decision and the best one is to protect the player and get him back as quick as possible. We decided to do it.
“It’s something related to the previous injury he had and the surgery. He had some irritation in the knee and we had to get it resolved.”