Emi Buendia doomed if Unai Emery gets his way at Aston Villa as £21m deal mooted
Emi Buendia could be set for a surprise January exit at Aston Villa.
Buendia was linked with a Villa departure in the summer, but stuck around Villa Park and went on to have a stunning early-season impact.
The Argentine was key in Villa wins against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Fulham, chipping in with multiple goals and assists.
Buendia’s last-gasp winner against Arsenal has easily been his crowning moment, but he has failed to contribute to a single Premier League goal since.
That could prompt a winter transfer for Buendia if the opportunity arises, with the chances potentially set to take a step up under Unai Emery.
Unai Emery could replace Emi Buendia in January
Buendia struggled against Nottingham Forest in his last B6 outing, followed by a difficult substitute appearance against Crystal Palace.
The attacking midfielder came on at Selhurst Park, but struggled when chances fell at his feet and arguably could have won the game for the away side.
That could prove to be the final straw for the Argentine, with a fellow countryman potentially set to replace him in the Midlands.
Thiago Almada has emerged as an option at Villa Park this winter, as Emery goes on the search for additional creativity.
Atletico Madrid want rid of the 24-year-old, and it could be the Villans who win the race for his signature at an £21million fee, according to reports in Spain.
If the Villa boss is to get his wish with the ex-Atlanta United star, it would likely come at the expense of Buendia.
Buendia could finally complete Aston Villa exit
Buendia spent the second half of last season at Bayer Leverkusen and looked destined to make a permanent move away after his B6 return.
The ex-Norwich City man was linked to Leeds United, among others, as a potential reunion with Daniel Farke was on the cards.
A move didn’t go through, and he has gone on to do what he’s done this season in claret and blue, but he may have gone as far as he can for Emery.
The Spaniard has high demands, so swapping the attacking midfielder out for a new and younger option could prove to be wise.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.