Aston Villa have been handed a major update on their pursuit of Norwich City star Emi Buendia amid rival interest from Arsenal.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the Argentine playmaker is someone who Dean Smith is keen on bringing to Villa Park this summer, although the Midlanders are set to face significant competition for his signature from the Gunners.

The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece revealed via Twitter: "I've just been told Villa & Arsenal both lodged bids yesterday. Emi Buendia currently with Emi Martinez ahead of Argentina's #WCQ with Chile at 1am UK time. Contact has informed me that Buendia knows of #AVFC and Arsenal interest."

Fans should be buzzing

Make no mistake about it, news that Villa have made their move for Buendia should have fans absolutely buzzing.

With the Premier League season only finishing a couple of weeks ago, to hear that the Midlands club are already stepping up their transfer plans so early bodes well for the kind of organisation and preparation with which Smith's side are working at the moment.

With Emi Martinez currently on international duty with Buendia, the Villa and former Arsenal goalkeeper could actually swing things in his new club's favour and give his international teammate the lowdown about why he should join Villa instead.

Buendia's arrival would likely help ease the creative burden on Jack Grealish - he managed 17 assists in the Championship last season - and given that Villa have set their sights on him early doors, it suggests that they are intent on signing a new playmaker.

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news" title="Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!"]

That should help no end next year in the Premier League, and given how Villa fans have already shown their excitement at Buendia's potential arrival, this latest update from Preece should have them buzzing.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith could sign Villa's new Dion Dublin in this star...