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Mikel Arteta issued a blunt response when asked if Arsenal were interested in signing Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendia during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners were said to have identified the Argentine as the ideal candidate to replace Martin Odegaard who returned to Real Madrid after a six-month loan spell, determined to convince Carlo Ancelotti he was worthy of a place in his plans.
Villa, however, made a swift and decisive move for Buendia and quickly concluded a deal with Norwich, which could ultimately cost £38m, while Arsenal were still considering alternative options.
As it transpired, Arsenal were ultimately able to convince Odegaard to return to north London on a permanent basis, but Arteta remained coy when asked if Buendia was his first choice ahead of tomorrow’s game with Villa.
‘I never disclose the players that we were interested in, and I’m not going to do that now,’ said Arteta when quizzed about his interest in the former Getafe player.
The 24-year-old has made an underwhelming start to his Villa career, tasked with the unenviable job of attempting to replace Jack Grealish, but his manager Dean Smith is confident he will hit form soon.
He said: ‘There is a lot more to come from Emi and he will be the first to say that.
‘We all know the qualities he’s got, the pass that he put through for Danny Ings in the first half [against Wolves] is why he attracted us so much.’
Friday’s game will again, meanwhile, see Emi Martinez come face-to-face with his old club with Buendia’s compatriot having established his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers since his decision to quit Arsenal 12 months ago.
‘We…
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Source : metro
