Arsenal have started to step up their interest in Emi Buendia, as they look at alternatives to a tricky move for Martin Odegaard.

As we know, Arsenal will be looking to sign a creative midfielder this summer. They brought in Martin Odegaard on loan in the January transfer window, but it looks unlikely they’ll be able to convince Real Madrid to sell at this point.

As a result, Goal report that Arsenal are pursuing Emi Buendia. Club technical director Edu is keen on the player, Arsenal are long-term admirers, and Buendia himself is keen on making the move to North London.

After scouting the 24-year-old on “countless” occasions, Arsenal have moved Buendia to the top of their list of playmaker targets. They’re now preparing to take their interest forward. Norwich City reportedly want £40m for the player.

Buendia scored yet another goal in his final appearance of the season just under a fortnight ago, to make it 15 goals for the campaign. On top of that, he provided 16 assists and won the Championship Player of the Season award.

Even when he was in the Premier League, Buendia’s creative numbers were exceptional. That’s the primary reason Arsenal want him, but if he can score double figures as well, that would be massive.

Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber suggested a move could be on the cards for a few of the club’s top players after their promotion, including Buendia, Max Aarons, and Todd Cantwell.

“It might be the end of the journey for some of them. One of them may go, maybe two or all three of them will go, who knows,” Webber said.