Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber has indicated that Arsenal will have to spend upwards of £30million if they are to stand any chance of landing Argentine sensation Emiliano Buendia this summer.
Buendia, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks and months, played a key role in helping the Canaries secure promotion back to the Premier League this season, as they stormed their way to the Championship title.
Whilst Tottenham Hotspur loanee Oliver Skipp was outstanding in midfield and goal-getter Teemu Pukki was as reliable as ever in front of goal, Buendia was the one responsible for making the team tick and producing the magic.
Often playing on the right flank, the former Getafe man scored 15 goals and claimed 17 assists in the Championship alone, highlighting his sheer level of brilliance that won him the Championship Player of the Season award.
It is also the reason why Arsenal are so interested in his signature. football.london understands that Buendia is a player that the Gunners have been monitoring since December, although no official bid has ever been lodged for his services.
But with Gunners chief Mikel Arteta planning a major overhaul to his squad this summer, that stance could soon change, with Buendia seen as a possible alternative to Martin Odegaard in an attempt to strengthen the club's attacking output from the midfield area.
If the Gunners are to make their move for Buendia they will have to pay above £30m, with Canaries transfer guru Webber not willing to let their star player leave for anything less than a club-record fee being received.
Webber, as quoted by the Mirror, said: "If we do sell one, it's going to be a club record deal. It's probably going to start with a number three in front of it.
"That will give us great opportunities to maybe make the whole better as well. We're really relaxed on that front."
The interest in Buendia's services is not remotely surprising. He has been nothing short of sensational this season, producing one of the finest individual performances the Championship has seen during a 46-game campaign.
But the Gunners are not alone in looking to lay their hands on Buendia, as Aston Villa are also keen on winning the race for his signature.
Recently, Buendia outlined his stance on his future, confirming that he has aspirations of playing at the very highest level.
The Norwich star said: "One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe.
"One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it."
