Norwich City boss Daniel Farke says he is confident of keeping hold of Emi Buendia in January despite fresh links to Arsenal.
Leeds United and Aston Villa were linked with the former Argentine youth international in the summer but he ultimately stayed put at Carrow Road and it seems unlikely either will make a move for him in January.
Yet Arsenal are now said to have a strong interest in the 24-year-old forward, who has impressed in the Championship with the Canaries this season, scoring a fine winner against Barnsley on Saturday.
Farke says he is hopeful of being able to keep Buendia in the January transfer window despite interest from elsewhere.
“Emi is a key player for us, an important member of the group, and he is totally committed to us,” Farke said.
“He is our player and will continue to be our player - he is on a long-term contract with the club so we keep him.
“Everyone knows his qualities - and I don’t expect interest just because he scored a wonder goal today. He has scored a number like this for us and people know what he can do.
"It was an excellent finish and that is what Emi can do.
"He instinctively knows when to make a run and then has the quality to finish like that."
Buendia has previously admitted he was frustrated at not being able to join Leeds in the summer, revealing he had been left out of the Canaries side early on in the season because of it.
Speaking to Eastern Daily Press in November, Buendia revealed he eventually came around to Farke's way of thinking, which he says has benefitted him in the long-run.
He said: "For the Bournemouth game, it wasn’t a very good week for me. I was a bit annoyed with my situation about everything.
"The boss decided that I couldn’t play that game because he always picks the best option for the team. I understood and I talked to him. I’m really happy with that meeting with him because I learned a lot about my situation.
"After that, I changed my mind, I trained more in each training session and the situation changed and I could be back in the team for the next game."
