Arsenal have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to land Norwich City playmaker Emiliano Buendia in the January transfer window.
Creativity through the middle has been a glaring problem for Arsenal this term, and the Gunners are being tipped to move for a new number 10 despite Emile Smith Rowe's recent emergence.
With Mesut Ozil seemingly destined to head for the exit door this month, a possible player-plus-cash deal for Buendia - believed to be Arsenal's top target - has been mooted, but the Gunners are reportedly facing competition for his signature.
According to La Razon, La Liga outfit Valencia have also expressed an interest in Buendia, and the Gunners would struggle to stump up Norwich's asking price of £40m amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old has affirmed that he is "very happy" at Norwich, contributing seven goals and seven assists in the Championship so far as the Canaries look to make an immediate return to the big time.
Buendia still has three-and-a-half years left to run on his current deal at Carrow Road.
Ben Knapton
