Arsenal Prepare €40m Bid for Leipzig Winger Antonio Nusa to Bolster Attack

LONDON — Fresh from securing the Premier League title, Arsenal are shifting their focus to the transfer market to reinforce their squad from a position of strength. Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly prioritizing greater pace and unpredictability from the left flank, identifying RB Leipzig’s rising star Antonio Nusa as a primary target.

According to a report from Caught Offside, the Gunners are preparing to test the German club’s resolve with an opening bid of around €40 million for the 21-year-old Norway international.

Squad Reshaping at the Emirates

The timing of Arsenal’s pursuit reflects deliberate squad management. The North London club recently sanctioned the departure of Leandro Trossard to Turkish side Besiktas in a deal worth approximately £17 million. Trossard’s exit has freed up both wages and space in Arteta’s attacking rotation.

Furthermore, ongoing uncertainty around Gabriel Martinelli has prompted the Arsenal hierarchy to evaluate their depth. Depending on how the market develops, the club is assessing whether one addition may become two in the wide areas before the transfer window closes.

A Rising International Profile

Nusa’s stock has soared following a breakout campaign at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped Norway reach the quarter-finals. The young winger produced one of the tournament’s memorable individual moments with a brilliant goal against Ivory Coast, showcasing the high-level talent that has alerted elite clubs across Europe.

Tactically, Nusa is seen as a player who offers a different threat from their more possession-focused attackers. While Arsenal under Arteta have excelled at controlling matches through structured positional play, they have occasionally struggled to break down deeply defensive low blocks. Nusa’s profile—characterized by explosive dribbling, positional flexibility and considerable resale potential—makes him an enticing option to inject verticality and directness into the team’s build-up play.

His integration at the Emirates Stadium could also be accelerated by his existing relationship with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. The two share a strong understanding at the international level for Norway, a chemistry that Arteta could leverage to unlock stubborn Premier League defenses.

Leipzig’s Valuation and Market Competition

Securing Nusa’s signature will not be straightforward. RB Leipzig, renowned for their shrewd player trading model, are under no immediate pressure to sell. The Bundesliga outfit would prefer to keep the player, though reports suggest their position could change if a major offer arrives.

Leipzig are understood to value Nusa at a minimum of €60 million, creating a significant gap between their valuation and Arsenal’s planned opening proposal.

Moreover, Arsenal face stiff competition. Newcastle, Juventus and other prominent European clubs are also monitoring the situation, which strengthens Leipzig’s negotiating position.

For Arsenal, the pursuit of Nusa represents a balance between ambition and financial discipline. While the Norwegian is viewed internally as a possible long-term solution on the left, he remains a developing talent rather than a guaranteed starter. Spending €60 million on potential carries inherent risks, and Arsenal must decide whether to raise their bid or remain disciplined to avoid being dragged into an inflated bidding war.