Arsenal legend Alan Smith is not certain that Emiliano Buendia would be the right fit for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta reportedly interested in bringing the midfielder to the Emirates.

Buendia was one of Norwich's leading lights in the Premier League last season, but he was unable to help the Canaries prolong their stay in the top flight beyond a solitary season.

Unlike Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis - who departed Carrow Road for big-money Premier League moves in 2020 - Buendia has stuck around and shown loyalty to both the fans and Daniel Farke.

The 24-year-old has been showing that he's far too good to be playing in the second tier of English football, scoring seven times and assisting a further seven goals in 20 appearances (transfermarkt) despite constant speculation about his future.

It doesn't look like Buendia will be departing Norfolk this month, although it could be a different scenario in the summer depending on if the Canaries do indeed get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking or not.

 

Quiz: The top 16 Norwich City record player departures – Which club did they join though?

 

 

Smith isn't fully convinced that the winger will be a great signing for the Gunners though, and is unsure  that the Argentinian will be able to handle the switch to a much bigger club.

“It's always the right thing to bring in new players but only if you can get the right players," Smith told Sky Sports on Arsenal's transfer plans.

"Somebody who is going to suit what you are looking for, and importantly, who is good enough and who is the right character as well.

"Sometimes that is the hard part in judging whether they are right for the club.

“Can they handle a step up? For example, somebody like Emi Buendia at Norwich or Yves Bissouma at Brighton, can they handle the step up in expectation at a bigger club?

"Some people can, some can't, but you can never be certain until a player arrives."

The Verdict

Arsenal are indeed a big club, but signing big-name players or making expensive purchases doesn't always guarantee success - just look at Willian and Nicolas Pepe.

Many players who have succeeded in the Championship have gone on to do great things in the Premier League and Buendia has already had a brief taste of what life would be like at the top tier of English football.

And it's hard to argue that he wouldn't be better than both Willian and Pepe for Arsenal, who have both flattered to deceive in the red and white shirt.