In an exclusive interview with This Is Futbol, Steve Howey, who made 270 league appearances during his career, believes that any potential Premier League looking to Emi Buendia this summer would be taking a huge gamble.
Buendia stuck with Norwich City when they were relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season, and his performances have helped the Canaries to a commanding position at the top of the table.
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The Argentine, who won March’s player of the month award, has been linked with a summer switch to Arsenal after an impressive campaign that has seen him score 12 times and register 16 assists in 34 league games.
It was reported by Sky Sports in January that it would take £40m-£50m for the Gunners to prise him away from Carrow Road, but they might face a more difficult task if the Canaries win promotion to the top flight.
Speaking on why it would be a gamble to sign Buendia this summer and how he flopped in the Premier League with Norwich last time, Howey told This is Futbol:
“Someone could take a gamble on Buendia, but he didn’t do it in the Premier League last time. However, he’s had another year under his belt and he’s chipped in with more goals assists and he’s definitely been one of, if not Norwich’s player of the season.
“All of a sudden teams are willing to just splash out £40 million on somebody that failed in the Premier League, but is now doing really well in the Championship.”
The last time Norwich were in the Premier League Buendia was a mainstay in Daniel Farke’s side featuring 36 times, however, he only managed one goal and seven assists.
Norwich have a comfortable lead at the top of the Championship as they sit 17 points ahead of Brentford who are third and also have a game in hand as they appear to be set for an immediate return to the Premier League.