Aston Villa announced that they’ve reached a deal for a club-record signing of Emi Buendia this week, and while that’s incredibly exciting, the wider context of this move makes it seem like a real watershed moment.
It’s no secret that Villa have had their struggles in recent years. They spent a number of seasons in the Championship, and upon their return to the Premier League, they found it very hard to come to terms with the division, almost being relegated in their first season.
However, this term Villa have found their feet. Their summer signings have been magnificent and if it weren’t for an injury to Jack Grealish, they may have pushed for a European spot.
Away from their performances on the pitch this term, Villa have made a real statement in signing Buendia, but the context in which they signed him is vitally important.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Buendia, even making a bid for him at the same time as Villa, but the Midlands club beat the London outfit to the Argentine fairly and squarely, which is something that was unthinkable a few years ago.
Think about it, Arsenal were playing Champions League football while Villa were in the Championship just a few seasons prior, but now they’re actually beating the Gunners to signings, and not just fringe signings, Buendia was reportedly Arsenal’s top target this summer.
Is it a sign of Villa’s progression? Or is it an indictment of Arsenal’s regression? The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, but the fact that Villa have beaten Arsenal to a signing in such a way is a real watershed moment for both clubs.
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