Report: Arsenal and Spurs set to battle in the race to sign World Cup forward

Report: Arsenal and Spurs set to battle in the race to sign World Cup forward Arsenal Transfer News: Antonio Nusa Battle With Tottenham Intensifies After £51.3m Leipzig Valuation Arsenal are firmly in the mix for Antonio Nusa as the club’s search for a new wide attacker gathers pace, with TeamTalk reporting that Tottenham, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also tracking the Norway international. The 21-year-old has seen his profile rise sharply over the past year. After joining Leipzig from Club Brugge in August 2024 for €21 million, he has gone on to establish himself as a valuable option in Germany, and his performances on the international stage have pushed him further into the spotlight. TEAMtalk states that Arsenal are “monitoring the player closely” as they assess options on the left side of the attack. Photo IMAGO Nusa’s appeal is easy to understand. He offers “blistering pace, dribbling skills, and versatility across the attacking three”, traits that fit the profile of a modern Premier League forward and one that would naturally attract attention from clubs competing at the top end of the table. His display level for Norway has added another layer of intrigue, especially after he “scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast in the Round of 32.” Antonio Nusa emerging as major Arsenal target There is a sense that this is no passing check from Arsenal. The report suggests the Premier League is Nusa’s “most likely destination at this stage”, with clubs in England moving early as they weigh up the financials and the player’s openness to a fresh test. Tottenham “have long admired the youngster and made contact with his agents before”, which sets up the possibility of a north London contest if interest hardens into formal action. Leipzig, for their part, are in a strong negotiating position. Nusa is under contract until 2029 and the German club are “under no immediate pressure to sell.” That context matters. Arsenal or any rival will need to pay at the top end of the market to force a breakthrough, particularly after Leipzig “value Nusa highly, indicating an asking price in the region of €50-60 million”. In sterling, that could mean a deal climbing towards £51.3m. Photo IMAGO There is also an interesting nuance in the pricing. While Leipzig are described as “generally reluctant to sell”, the same report adds they “could be tempted by the right package”, with indications that “€50 million could indeed be enough.” For Arsenal, that may bring the transfer into a more realistic zone if the recruitment team decide Nusa is the correct priority rather than one of several names under consideration. Leipzig valuation sets tone for transfer race Competition is not limited to England. AC Milan, Napoli and Atletico Madrid are all named as admirers, while Barcelona are continuing to scout him even if finances make that route difficult. That broad interest reinforces the reality that Arsenal would need to move decisively if they want to lead the race. For now, the situation remains live rather than advanced. Nusa is “believed to be open to a new challenge, particularly in the Premier League” and the expectation is that his immediate future will become clearer only after Norway’s World Cup run ends. Until then, Arsenal’s interest looks serious, Tottenham remain close to the picture, and Leipzig’s £51.3m valuation has set the framework for what could become one of the more intriguing winger stories of the summer. Our View From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that sparks genuine curiosity. Nusa sounds like a player with real upside, and the description of “blistering pace, dribbling skills, and versatility across the attacking three” immediately points to attributes Arsenal can always use more of in high-level matches. When games become tight and structured, players who can beat a man and change the rhythm are priceless. The biggest question is whether he is ready to make an instant difference for a side chasing the biggest honours. Arsenal need quality, but they also need reliability. A £51.3m outlay is serious money for a player who is still developing, even if his World Cup impact has been impressive. Supporters will naturally wonder whether this is a market opportunity before the price climbs even further, or a deal being inflated by tournament form and rival interest. There is also the Tottenham angle, which always adds edge. If both north London clubs are genuinely in the frame, Arsenal fans will want clarity and conviction from the recruitment team. If Nusa is a top target, move strongly. If he is one option among many, then discipline matters too. On talent alone, it is easy to see the attraction. A young attacker open to the Premier League, already producing at a good level, and still carrying scope for significant development fits the broader strategy. This one feels worth watching very closely.