Valencia will rival Arsenal for the signing of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City, according to reports emerging today in the media.

The Gunners have been closely linked for quite some time now with the 24-year-old to improve their creative attacking options in midfield, an area felt to be lacking in their side at the moment.

It’s thought that Norwich will want at least £40 million for the playmaker.

According to Spanish source La Razon (via Goal), Arsenal will have to fend off interest from Valencia to sign Buendia.

Buendia is currently enjoying a great season in the Championship, hence the interest from two big European clubs.

He’s scored seven goals and assisted a further seven in 19 league appearances this term. That includes a stunning first time volley in the recent 1-0 victory over Barnsley for Norwich.

Buendia was also one of their star men in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season, his exciting attacking play and keen eye for a pass seem to have Arsenal fans wanting a closer look.

Recent reports suggest Arsenal are willing to pay £40 million plus two players for Buendia, with Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock two players reportedly being considered as part of a part exchange deal.

Valencia also want Buendia to add more quality to their midfield. The Spanish side currently sit 13th in La Liga after 18 matches, and are looking to reinvest some of the money that they gained from selling Ferran Torres and Rodrigo last summer.

Another alternative for them that they are reported to be considering is Harry Winks, who has been linked with a loan move away from Tottenham Hotspur recently.

The Englishman has received limited game time under boss Jose Mourinho. He has made seven Premier League appearances this season but rarely seems to complete a full 90 minutes. A fact that is sure to be concerning for a player who will want to find his way into England’s European Championships squad this summer.

Buendia has previously said that returning to the Prem would be a ‘dream’ for him. Whether that is with Arsenal or Norwich is yet to be determined.