Journalist: Arsenal in talks to sign €80m-rated forward

Journalist: Arsenal in talks to sign €80m-rated forward Arsenal Step Up Antonio Nusa Pursuit as Andrea Berta Shapes January Transfer Plan Arsenal are advancing their checks on Antonio Nusa as plans gather pace ahead of the January window, with the RB Leipzig winger now firmly among the leading options under consideration. According to Graeme Bailey for TeamTalk, the Gunners have intensified their assessment of the Norway international as Andrea Berta pushes on with work in two priority attacking areas. The 21-year-old has been watched closely. Arsenal have reportedly had representation at Nusa’s last three matches, a clear sign that interest is active and informed rather than speculative. Those performances have only added to the case for deeper exploration. Nusa has produced six goals and seven assists this season, and in his last three games, against Schalke, Manchester City and Augsburg, he has returned two goals and two assists. That output matters, particularly because Arsenal are targeting players who can arrive and contribute straight away. The line around the club is that January will be about “quality over quantity”, with Berta focused on additions capable of raising the level immediately. Antonio Nusa emerges as serious Arsenal target Nusa is described as “another name firmly in the picture”, and there has already been contact beyond standard scouting. The report states that “his representatives have also been spoken to”, while a move to Arsenal is “understood to appeal to the winger.” That combination, player interest and direct communication, often marks the point at which admiration starts to become a live market opportunity. Any move, though, would be complicated. Nusa has no release clause in his Leipzig contract and is tied to the Bundesliga side until 2029. Leipzig are said to value him at around €80million, which converts to roughly £66million. At that level, he would become one of Arsenal’s biggest signings and the club would need to decide whether January is the right moment to commit such a substantial fee. Photo IMAGO Andrea Berta balances winger and striker priorities Arsenal’s wider recruitment picture remains relevant here. A left winger and a striker are both on the agenda, and TeamTalk reports that “funds have been set aside” to support those plans. Other names remain in circulation, including Endrick, Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez, although the same report indicates that movement on Kroupi and Alvarez is limited for now, while discussions with Endrick’s camp have gone well. That context helps explain why Nusa’s candidacy is strengthening. He fits the age profile, offers elite upside, and appears to satisfy the demand for immediate impact. Arsenal are also continuing “background checks” on the player, suggesting due diligence is still underway before any formal step is considered. Bayern Munich interest could shape January market Arsenal are not operating alone. Bayern Munich are also tracking Nusa as they review options in the wide areas. That interest may not yet be decisive, but it adds competitive pressure to a situation already shaped by Leipzig’s strong negotiating position. For now, this feels like a serious piece of groundwork rather than a deal at the point of completion. Arsenal have identified Antonio Nusa as a genuine option, they have watched him extensively, and they have opened lines of communication around the player. Whether that becomes a full January push may depend on price, timing and how Berta chooses to sequence Arsenal’s attacking business. Our View This is exactly the sort of move that gets the pulse racing. Antonio Nusa looks like the profile Arsenal should be attacking, explosive, productive, young, and already delivering in big environments. When a club has been at a player’s last three matches and “his representatives have also been spoken to”, that tells you this is serious work, not background noise. The exciting part is how well he seems to fit what Arsenal need on the left. There is directness to his game, end product in his numbers, and the sense that he can beat defenders in moments where matches feel stuck. Six goals and seven assists already is serious production, and two goals plus two assists across his last three appearances only sharpens the appeal. The price is huge, of course, but top talent costs top money. If the club truly believe in “quality over quantity”, then this is the market you have to be brave in. There is little value in adding bodies for the sake of it when what is needed is a difference-maker. Bayern Munich lurking only adds urgency. If Arsenal think Nusa can become one of the best wide forwards in Europe, then hesitation is the danger. This feels like one to push hard on, because players with this blend of output, age and upside do not stay attainable for long. Source: Graeme Bailey for TeamTalk