Arsenal are likely to put their interest in Emi Buendia on hold due to Norwich City’s reluctance to do business in January, according to a report.

The Telegraph claim that Arsenal are ‘likely to shelve’ their interest in Norwich City’s Emi Buendia, with the East Anglian club adamant they won’t sell this month.

The report suggests Buendia is a target for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, but Norwich aren’t interested in discussing any bid, even if it’s a swap deal. They don’t want to risk their promotion push by selling him.

After their relegation in the summer, Norwich spent very little (less than £10m in total) and sold Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis for around £40m, so they don’t have a financial need to sell either.

Recent reports suggested Buendia is prepared to push for a move to Arsenal if they try to sign him this month. But this is unlikely to be enough if Norwich don’t show any willingness to sell.

Buendia has seven goals and seven assists in 19 games, leading his team up to top spot in the Championship table. As things stand, they’re on course for promotion thanks to those contributions. He’s playing a key role in their season and Norwich know that.