Arsenal have opened talks with Norwich City and Emi Buendia’s representatives over a summer transfer for the 24-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Emi Buendia is one of the options that Arsenal are seriously considering this summer, and the club have restarted the talks they held with his representatives last December.

Romano claims Buendia would accept a move to Arsenal if it came, and the player is now waiting to see what happens.

The Daily Mail add that Arsenal have also now opened talks with Norwich City over the move. New director of football operations Richard Garlick is reportedly determined to make the deal their first of the summer, with discussions escalating quickly.

Norwich are expecting offers of £35m plus add-ons, likely bringing the deal to £40m, with Aston Villa also in the mix. With World Cup qualifiers and Copa America coming up, a transfer for the Argentine playmaker could be concluded soon.

David Ornstein recently reported that both Buendia and Norwich understand that it’s time for him to take the next step in his career, and expect him to depart in the upcoming market.

Speaking in an interview this week, Buendia admitted he wants to play for top teams fighting for trophies.

“One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain, or Europe,” Buendia said. “One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have.

“It is a proud thing that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it.”

One of the concerns from Arsenal fans about Buendia is that he primarily played out on the right this season, where the club already have Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. But Buendia says his best position is in central areas.

“My position was always 10,” Buendia insisted. “I was always a passer, but in a professional way, I played more outside and always with the freedom to be able to link play.

“But where I feel most comfortable is in the middle, where I can touch the ball more and link up with my teammates.”

Whilst it’s true that Buendia often started on the right, he spent almost as much time in the middle even for Norwich last season. You’d expect him to play a role similar to Martin Odegaard, behind the striker but drifting wide to support the winger.

We’re getting ahead of ourselves, though. First, Arsenal need to get the deal done.