Arsenal are reportedly preparing an opening offer for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as Mikel Arteta’s side look to move ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the race for the Norway international.
According to Teamtalk, Arsenal are working towards an initial proposal for the 21-year-old, although the expected offer would fall below Leipzig’s valuation.
Nusa joined Leipzig from Club Brugge for €21 million in August 2024 and has made an encouraging start to the current campaign. The left winger has recorded three goals and two assists in six appearances, including a goal and two assists in Leipzig’s 5-0 victory over Hamburg last month, when he was named man of the match.
His profile has continued to rise after he helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals, their first appearance at that stage of the tournament.
Arsenal and Tottenham lead Nusa race
Teamtalk cites German outlet Fussball News, which reports that Arsenal and Tottenham are currently “leading the race” for the “explosive” winger.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also monitoring Nusa, and interest is extending beyond England. Roma have reportedly made enquiries, AC Milan and Inter Milan have shortlisted him, and Bayern Munich and Barcelona are following his development.
However, Arsenal’s interest is described as becoming “particularly concrete”, with Arteta’s side reportedly working on an initial formal offer of €40 million (£34m).
That figure would fall short of Leipzig’s asking price.
The German club are reportedly demanding an “exceptional offer” of €60-65 million (£51-55m) before they will consider Nusa’s sale. Leipzig are in a strong negotiating position given that the player’s current contract runs until June 2029.
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Arsenal seeking left-wing competition
The latest report is not the first indication that Arsenal are considering a move for Nusa.
CaughtOffside reported on July 15 that Arsenal could make a £34 million offer for the winger, with the latest developments suggesting a January approach could now become more likely.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta would nevertheless need to negotiate a significant gap between the reported opening proposal and Leipzig’s valuation.
The Gunners are looking for additional competition on the left flank following the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli during the summer. Christos Tzolis is currently an option in that position, while Arsenal previously missed out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea, and made an ambitious approach for Vinicius Junior before the Brazilian renewed his contract with Real Madrid.
Teamtalk also reports that Arsenal have the financial capacity to pursue Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, although they are not currently leading that transfer race.
For Nusa, the immediate focus is on Leipzig, but with his form improving and several major clubs monitoring his situation, Arsenal’s reported €40 million opening offer could be the starting point for a significant January transfer battle.
2 Comments
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This analysis of Arsenal’s potential move for Antonio Nusa is insightful! It highlights the fierce competition we’re facing from Spurs and Villa. I appreciate your updates; they keep us informed during this exciting transfer window.