Aston Villa fans can start to get excited about big-money summer signing Emiliano Buendia despite a disappointing start to life at the club, according to Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Buendia became Villa's club-record arrival when head coach Dean Smith and the owners managed to strike a deal with Norwich City in June.

What's the latest news involving Buendia?

Buendia, who penned a five-year deal worth £75,000-per-week, played a key role as Norwich secured an immediate return to the Premier League by winning their second Championship title in three seasons.

The Argentinian underlined his importance to Daniel Farke's side by scoring 15 goals and providing a further 17 assists in 41 appearances last term.

His impressive form led to Buendia also being a target for Arsenal, but the Gunners opted against firming up their interest by lodging a bid.

Buendia left Carrow Road having scored 24 goals and contributed 42 assists over the course of three seasons.

However, the 24-year-old has failed to enjoy such prolific form at the start of his Villa career as he has found the back of the net on just one occasion in his first eight appearances for the club.

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What has Luke Hatfield said about Buendia?

Hatfield insists there in no reason to panic after Buendia's low-key start to life at Villa Park.

Buendia is still rated highly by Smith after parting with a significant sum to acquire his services.

Hatfield feels it will not be long before Buendia gives Villa fans something to shout about.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "I think he's growing into his role and Dean Smith's backing him to hit the heights after his club-record signing.

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"He's a player that Villa fans can get excited about, I think, in the background."

Have there been signs of Buendia's form improving?

Villa were condemned to their fifth Premier League defeat in nine fixtures - and a third on the trot - when Arsenal registered a 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.

Smith reacted to the latest loss by blasting his players' first half display.

Buendia suffered another setback when he came under fire for his performance against the other club who showed an interest in him during the summer transfer window and was substituted.

Gabby Agbonlahor, who remains Villa's all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League, insisted earlier this month that Buendia's lack of cutting edge in the final third is not a concern so soon after joining the club.

Smith has also claimed that Buendia is getting better in a Villa shirt and spoke of seeing improvements during the 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.