Arsenal are reportedly exploring a January transfer for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with the German club expected to demand around €80 million (£66 million) for the Norway international. The 21-year-old has attracted attention following an impressive start to the 2026-27 season, making him a potential target for Premier League clubs seeking attacking reinforcements. However, no formal Arsenal bid has been confirmed, and Leipzig reportedly prefer to keep the player until at least next summer.
The proposed transfer comes as Arsenal consider strengthening their attacking options under manager Mikel Arteta. Nusa's ability to operate on either wing, create scoring opportunities and take on defenders has made him an appealing candidate. Reports suggest Arsenal have already begun assessing whether a deal could be completed when the January transfer window opens.
Arsenal Increase Interest in Antonio Nusa
Arsenal have intensified their scouting of Nusa, according to transfer reporting from TEAMtalk. The outlet reported that representatives of the London club attended the winger's previous three matches and that discussions had taken place with his representatives. Those contacts suggest growing interest but do not establish that the clubs have begun formal negotiations.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly examining options to strengthen the team's attack during the winter window. A left-sided winger and another forward are among the positions under consideration. Nusa's performances have placed him among the players attracting particular attention as Arsenal assess their options.
The Norwegian has enjoyed a productive campaign with Leipzig, contributing goals and assists in domestic and European competition. TEAMtalk reported that he had recorded six goals and seven assists during the current season. His form has increased interest in his future, although Leipzig remain in a strong negotiating position.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has also been linked to the potential transfer. Italian outlet TuttoJuve claimed that Odegaard, who plays alongside Nusa for Norway, has encouraged his international teammate to consider joining Arsenal. The reported conversations have not been independently confirmed, and there is no indication that they represent an official approach by the club.
RB Leipzig Reluctant to Approve January Transfer
The biggest obstacle to a winter agreement could be Leipzig's determination to retain one of their important attacking players. Nusa signed a five-year contract when he joined the Bundesliga club in August 2024, keeping him under contract until 2029. That agreement gives Leipzig considerable leverage in negotiations.
German transfer reporting has suggested that Leipzig would prefer to discuss a possible sale during the summer of 2027. Sky Sport Germany journalist Philipp Hinze placed a potential summer valuation between €70 million and €90 million. A January departure would reportedly require an exceptional offer.
Leipzig also have little reason to rush into negotiations while Nusa remains an important part of their plans. His attacking versatility allows him to play across several positions, making him valuable beyond his goals and assists. Losing him midway through the season could force the club to find a replacement during a difficult transfer window.
The reported €80 million valuation should therefore be treated as an estimated asking price rather than an agreed transfer fee. Arsenal have not publicly confirmed an offer, and Leipzig have not announced that they are negotiating a sale. Any move would depend on both clubs reaching an agreement and Nusa accepting personal terms.
Nusa's Development Makes Him an Attractive Target
Nusa joined RB Leipzig from Belgian club Club Brugge in August 2024 after establishing himself as an exciting young attacking prospect. He signed with the German club at 19 and received the number seven shirt. Leipzig described him as a player with significant development potential and experience at both club and international levels.
Born in Norway in April 2005, Nusa made his professional breakthrough at Stabaek before moving to Belgium. His performances at Club Brugge helped him earn international recognition and eventually secure a Bundesliga transfer. He has continued developing his game against stronger competition in Germany.
Nusa is particularly effective when attacking defenders with the ball at his feet. His acceleration, close control and willingness to move into central areas allow him to create opportunities from wide positions. He can also switch between the left and right wings, offering flexibility to managers seeking different attacking combinations.
That versatility could appeal to Arsenal as they compete across domestic and European competitions. Arteta's system requires attacking players who can contribute to possession, press opponents and create chances in crowded areas. However, whether Nusa would immediately secure a starting position would depend on Arsenal's existing squad and future tactical plans.
Other Premier League Clubs Feature in Transfer Reports
Arsenal's reported pursuit comes amid several other developing transfer stories involving Premier League clubs. Chelsea have reportedly seen an offer rejected for 19-year-old Real Betis forward Jose Antonio Morante. Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla was cited in reports of the approach, although neither club has publicly confirmed a completed agreement.
Manchester United also face questions about the future of captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is reportedly waiting to assess the club's progress under new manager Mauricio Pochettino before committing to another contract. Reports suggest Fernandes has already rejected contract offers, although Manchester United retain an option to extend his current agreement.
Bournemouth forward Rayan has meanwhile discussed his childhood support for Manchester United. The 20-year-old Brazilian was previously linked with the Old Trafford club before joining Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January 2026. His comments concern his personal football loyalties rather than confirmation of a new transfer approach.
Coventry City midfielder Jack Rudoni has also attracted reported interest from Newcastle United and Leeds United. Coventry are said to be concerned about losing an important player during the January window. No agreement involving the 25-year-old has been announced.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has reportedly expressed interest in finishing his career at Real Betis. The Spanish international previously played for Betis before moving to Napoli and later PSG. His reported preference does not establish that a transfer is being negotiated.
Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has also been linked with a possible return to his homeland from Napoli. The speculation follows comments attributed to his wife, Michele, about his desire to finish his playing career in Belgium. No destination club or confirmed agreement has been identified.
January Move Remains Uncertain for Arsenal
Arsenal's interest in Nusa reflects a broader effort to identify attacking players capable of strengthening the squad for the remainder of the season. His performances, age and positional flexibility make him a potential long-term investment. However, the reported valuation would represent a substantial financial commitment during the winter transfer window.
A summer agreement may prove more practical if Leipzig maintain their position against a January sale. The German club would have more time to arrange a replacement, while Arsenal could assess their transfer priorities after the season. That possibility remains speculative because neither club has announced formal negotiations.
For now, Nusa remains an RB Leipzig player with a contract running until 2029. Arsenal's reported scouting and contact with his representatives indicate interest, but a completed transfer remains some distance away. The January window will establish whether that interest develops into a formal offer or whether Leipzig succeed in keeping the Norwegian winger for the rest of the campaign.