According to The Telegraph, Aston Villa are preparing a bid for Norwich playmaker Emiliano Buendía, who is also wanted by Arsenal.
The report states that Dean Smith’s side could end up paying £40 million to sign the 24-year-old, who cost Norwich just £1.5 million from Getafe.
The Telegraph believe the Canaries are happy to let their exquisite No.17 depart Carrow Road, so long as their valuation is met.
Arsenal are also said to be in the race to sign Buendía, although they are not believed to be readying a bid like the Villans are.
The Argentine took the Championship by storm this season, scoring 15 goals while providing 16 assists in 39 appearances for the Canaries.
It’s no wonder two Premier League sides are fighting over his services.
Interestingly, going back to Buendía’s Getafe days, he faced a certain Lionel Messi during a game inside the Camp Nou.
Before the second-half began, the six-time Ballon d’Or winner asked Buendía which nation he would like to represent between Spain or Argentina.
Speaking to the Guardian, the £8,000-a-week Aston Villa target believes he might’ve done something to catch the Barcelona forward’s eye.
He said: “I maybe did something good to impress him. He asked: ‘What do you want to do? Do you want to play for Spain or Argentina?’ Quickly I said: ‘Of course I want to play for Argentina. I want to play with you – it is a dream.’”
With the likes of John McGinn and Jack Grealish already at Villa Park, Smith could boast one of the Premier League’s best midfields if he added Buendía to his squad.
Without a doubt, these are certainly exciting times for Aston Villa.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
