Arsenal target Emiliano Buendia is set to finalize a move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, according to reports in Argentina.

The 24-year-old moved to Norwich City in 2018 from Spain’s Getafe. He was one of their shining lights in 2018/19 when they were promoted to the Premier League. He has scored eight goals and 12 assists in the league in his 38 outings.

The Canaries’ comeback season in the top flight has been disappointing as they were relegated straight to the league, but Buendia was once again one of their best players as he recorded seven league assists.

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Buendia was linked with a move away from Norwich last summer, but he ultimately chose to stay another year.

This was to Norwich’s advantage as he was involved in 31 goals in 39 league appearances as he helped them win the league title.

The Argentine has been linked to Arsenal and Aston Villa in recent weeks. He was expected to join the Gunners, but now it looks like Dean Smith’s side are the favorites to sign him.

Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has revealed that Buendia is now “one step away” from signing for Villa.

The charges for Buendia will be around £ 30million. He adds that Arsenal have never made an official offer for the Norwich star.

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Petit criticized Arsenal’s current transfer policy:

“It’s not about the money as Arsenal have the power to put £ 70million on a player if they want to.

“It’s a question of profile, who do you want for your teams in terms of character and quality?

“What are Arsenal doing in the transfer market? I do not understand it. They spend money – a lot of money sometimes – but on the wrong player.

“This is the turning point for Arsenal, they are at the end of the world. They have to take the right direction, otherwise they will fall, fall and fall again and it will be more difficult for them to attract players.

“With all due respect [Bukayo] Saka and [Emile] Smith Rowe – they played brilliantly, especially Saka – but the other players – the experienced players – what have they brought to the team since they arrived?

“You have to look at yourself in the mirror. “