How Arsenal could line up with £30m Buendia

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 4 Jun 2021 10:11 BST

Arsenal have made Emiliano Buendia one of their primary transfer targets for this summer following his wonderful season with Norwich in the Championship.

The Canaries gained promotion to the Premier League after winning the 2020/21 Championship, with Buendia emerging as the star performer in the league, as highlighted by his Player of the Season award.

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In 39 appearances, he scored 15 goals and recorded 15 assists.

Though Norwich will naturally be keen to keep Buendia, they are not immune to the financial impact of the pandemic and could be forced to sell if the right offer comes in.

Club director Stuart Webber recently said it would take a bid in excess of the £25 million that Everton paid for Ben Godfrey last summer.

On Thursday Football London confirmed that both Arsenal and Aston Villa had made bids of £30m for the Argentine winger.

So, should the Gunners win the race for his signature, how could they line up next season?

Arsenal XI with Buendia

Bernd Leno should continue in goal, with Kieran Tierney at left full-back and Rob Holding partnering Gabriel in the centre of defence.

As for right-back, there has been speculation that Hector Bellerin could be moved on this summer, but he’s still at the Emirates for now.

Granit Xhaka, too, has been linked with a move to Roma to hook up with head coach Jose Mourinho, but no formal bids have been made by the Italian giants yet, so he could still partner Thomas Partey.

If Buendia comes in, he’ll take up a position at right wing which means Nicolas Pepe will need to settle for a place on the bench.

Should Martin Odegaard not be signed on a permanent basis, Emile Smith Rowe will feature in the number 10 spot with Bukayo Saka on the left.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyan should retain his status as the club’s number one striker, but Alexandre Lacazette will be breathing down his neck for minutes.