Arsenal’s interest in Emiliano Buendia has only been described as ‘tepid’ by sources close to the negotiations to the Athletic.
Arsenal missed out on Buendia to Aston Villa last week, which sparked some frustration at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal did make a bid for Buendia, but it has turned out that the Gunners did not push too hard to land the Argentine.
The 24-year-old was apparently only one of a number of options for Mikel Arteta’s side, whereas Villa really wanted him.
Dean Smith’s side are said to have begun moving for Buendia almost immediately after the season finished as he was their top choice.
By the end of the negotiation Villa were the only team left in for him, as Arsenal had apparently given them a free run.
That may make it slightly more palatable for Gunners fans, who were frustrated at missing out on the attacking midfielder.
Many Arsenal fans had questioned the club’s ambition, when it was felt that Buendia had picked Villa over them.
But it seems that the playmaker never really had a straight choice between the two, as Arsenal didn’t have a bid accepted.
Still praise for Villa
That being said, Villa should still be praised for completing what could be a momentous deal for them.
Buendia was a real shining light in the Championship last term, and his potential partnership with Jack Grealish at Villa Park looks highly exciting.
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