Aston Villa and manager Unai Emery are keen to keep Emiliano Buendia despite interest across Europe, sources have told Football Insider.

Villa have protected their investment in the 28-year-old by moving to agree a contract extension with the attacking midfielder.

Buendia’s contract had been set to expire in June 2026 but will now run for a further 12 months.

The Argentina international is attracting interest from across Europe and will have a big say on his future ahead of the transfer deadline on 3 February.

Aston Villa are reluctant to release him, having already lost Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town in a permanent move.

Potential suitors will have to tempt the Midlands giants with a huge offer for Buendia, who has featured sparingly in the 2024-25 campaign.

Buendia has made 19 appearances across all competitions this term but has played just 464 minutes of action.

Aston Villa reluctant to sanction Buendia exit after contract extension

His only senior goal this season came in the League Cup win over Wycombe in September.

The former Norwich star cost Villa a reported £33million in 2021 – a fee which represented a then-club-record for the Midlands giants.

Copyright 2021 AMA Sports Photo AgencyBuendia, who suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, has scored 10 goals in 97 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Emery’s side sit eighth in the Premier League and are well placed to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League.