Arsenal target RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa in January transfer push

Arsenal are preparing a January move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with the Premier League champions working to formalise an offer for the 21-year-old Norwegian, according to German outlet Fussball News.

The reported pursuit comes in the wake of Arsenal’s first defeat of the season — a 3-0 loss at Brighton’s Amex Stadium that exposed a lack of depth in Mikel Arteta’s attack. The Gunners, who are chasing back-to-back Premier League titles and a deeper run in the Champions League, have rarely dipped into the January market in recent years, though the 2023 mid-season signing of Leandro Trossard stands as a notable precedent.

Nusa has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s more exciting wide players since joining RB Leipzig, contributing two goals and two assists in just four league appearances this season. A hard-working left-winger capable of hugging the touchline or cutting inside to create and score, he fits the profile of attacker Arteta has consistently favoured during his time in north London.

The Norwegian caught wider attention during a breakout World Cup campaign alongside Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and had previously attracted interest from Brentford in January 2024 before a knee injury — flagged during that deal — ruled him out for two months and scuppered the transfer.

Significant obstacles remain. Nusa is contracted at Leipzig until 2029, and FourFourTwo understands the Bundesliga club have no desire to part with one of their key players in the middle of the season. Transfermarkt values the winger at €45 million, which would make him a substantial outlay for a mid-season window.

Arsenal return to Premier League action when they host Leeds United after the international break.