It’s that time of the summer again. Arsenal are making moves in the transfer market, and their latest target has raised a few eyebrows. Antonio Nusa, the 20-year-old Norwegian winger currently at RB Leipzig, is being considered as part of Arsenal’s ongoing talks with the German club.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Arsenal have been crying out for genuine width and pace on the left flank, and Nusa represents exactly the type of signing that could elevate Arteta’s tactical setup to the next level.

Where Antonio Nusa Fits in Mikel Arteta’s System

Arsenal’s tactical approach under Arteta has evolved into a fluid 4-3-3 that transitions to 4-2-3-1, with emphasis on creating numerical superiority in midfield. Nusa would slot seamlessly into this framework as the left-sided forward, providing the direct threat that’s been lacking since the departure of certain key players.

His two-footedness, pace and direct running style make him the perfect complement to Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank. While Saka has mastered the art of cutting inside from the right, Nusa brings genuine left-footed delivery and the ability to stretch defenses by staying wide when needed.

The Norwegian’s profile fits Arteta’s preference for versatile forwards who can interchange positions. Despite managing just five goals and eight assists in 40 matches last season, his underlying metrics suggest a player adapting to a higher level after his move from Club Brugge.

Addressing Arsenal’s Tactical Needs

Arsenal’s biggest weakness this season has been their predictability in the final third. Too often, attacks have funneled through the right side via Saka, making them easy to defend against. Nusa would immediately solve this problem by providing a genuine threat from the left.

In Arteta’s high build-up phase, with the 1-3-2-2-3 formation creating midfield overloads, Nusa would operate as one of the front three, stretching the pitch and creating space for Martin Ødegaard to operate between the lines.

His pace would also be crucial in Arsenal’s counter-pressing system. When possession is lost high up the pitch, having Nusa’s recovery speed could prevent teams from exploiting the spaces left behind by Arsenal’s aggressive full-backs.

The Reality Check

Reports suggest Arsenal are willing to pay €45 million for a player who was rated among the Bundesliga‘s worst wingers last season. This seems like a hefty fee for someone still finding his feet at the highest level.

However, Arsenal’s recruitment team has shown they can identify potential before it fully materializes. At 20 years old, Nusa represents the type of long-term investment that could pay dividends if properly developed under Arteta’s guidance.

The bigger question isn’t whether Nusa can improve Arsenal’s squad – it’s whether he can handle the immediate pressure of contributing to a title challenge. With Arsenal’s title ambitions hanging by a thread, there’s little room for adaptation periods.

Nusa might not be the marquee signing that gets fans off their seats, but he could be exactly what Arteta needs to complete his tactical vision – a genuine left-sided threat who brings pace, directness, and the versatility to thrive in Arsenal’s evolving system.

Arsenal are considering a move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa this summer, with Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly weighing up the 20-year-old Norwegian as a potential alternative to long-term target Nico Williams. The Gunners have been tracking Athletic Bilbao’s Williams for 18 months, but doubts over that deal have seen them turn their attention to the Bundesliga.

Arsenal’s interest in Nusa has intensified during their ongoing talks with RB Leipzig over striker Benjamin Sesko, with the Norwegian left-winger emerging as another potential signing from the German club. The timing couldn’t be better for Arsenal, who are looking to bolster their attack ahead of what promises to be another demanding campaign.

Competition Heating Up for Antonio Nusa’s Signature

Arsenal won’t have a clear run at Nusa, though. The Gunners are ready to rival Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle United in the race for his signature, with all four Premier League clubs circling around the talented winger. This level of interest from top English clubs reflects just how highly rated Nusa has become across Europe.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye since his move to Leipzig, where he’s been deployed primarily as a left-winger but has shown the versatility to operate across the front line. Standing at 1.83m, Nusa brings both pace and physicality that could suit the Premier League’s demands perfectly.

Antonio Nusa’s Leipzig Statistics Tell the Story

The numbers from Nusa’s 2024-25 season at RB Leipzig paint a picture of a player still finding his feet in the Bundesliga but showing real promise. He’s scored three goals in 25 appearances for Leipzig, making him the fifth-best scorer in his squad, while also contributing three assists – joint fifth-most in the team alongside Ridle Baku.

With 24 shots taken so far this season, the Norwegian has had the fifth-most attempts on goal in Marco Rose’s squad, showing his willingness to get into dangerous positions. However, critics have labeled him as potentially the “Bundesliga’s worst winger” in some quarters, raising questions about whether Arsenal would be taking a €38m gamble on an unproven talent.

Arsenal’s Wing Dilemma

Arsenal’s interest in Nusa stems from their ongoing search for reliable width options. While Bukayo Saka has been exceptional on the right, the left wing remains a position where Arteta hasn’t found his perfect solution. Gabriel Martinelli has shown flashes of brilliance but consistency issues, while Leandro Trossard offers versatility but perhaps lacks the pace to stretch defenses consistently.

Nusa’s profile as a natural left-winger who can also operate centrally would give Arteta tactical flexibility that he clearly values. The Norwegian’s international experience – he’s already earned 15 caps and scored 5 goals for his country – suggests he has the mentality to handle the step up to regular Premier League football.

The Financial Picture

Arsenal’s pursuit of Nusa comes with a significant price tag attached. Reports suggest Leipzig value their winger at around £38 million, a fee that reflects both his potential and the current inflated market for young attacking talents. For Arsenal, this represents a substantial investment in a player who is still developing his game.

The question for Arsenal is whether Nusa represents better value than continuing their pursuit of Williams, who would likely command an even higher fee and potentially more difficult negotiations with Athletic Bilbao. Leipzig’s willingness to sell could make Nusa the more realistic target.

The Verdict

Arsenal’s interest in Antonio Nusa makes sense as a strategic move, but questions remain over whether he’s the right fit for their immediate ambitions. At 20, he clearly has time to develop, but Arsenal need players who can contribute immediately to their title challenge.

The Norwegian’s versatility and pace could prove valuable assets, but his inconsistent form at Leipzig suggests this would be a gamble rather than a guaranteed success. Arsenal might be better served pursuing more established targets, but if Williams proves unattainable, Nusa could represent their best alternative in the current market.

Arsenal‘s pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa makes perfect sense when one breaks down what Mikel Arteta actually needs. While critics question whether the Norwegian is worth £38 million, they’re missing the bigger picture. Nusa isn’t just another attacking midfielder—he can exactly be the type of player who can unlock Arsenal’s tactical evolution and provide the versatility that title-winning squads demand.

1. Tactical Flexibility That Mikel Arteta Craves

Nusa’s biggest asset isn’t his pace or his technical ability—it’s his positional intelligence. The 20-year-old Norwegian can operate across multiple attacking positions, something Arsenal desperately need. The 20-year-old is coming off a decent 2024-25 campaign, recording nine goals and seven assists in all competitions for club and country, while occupying various attacking midfield roles.

Arsenal’s current system demands players who can drift between positions seamlessly. Gabriel Martinelli offers pace but lacks the tactical sophistication to play centrally when needed. Leandro Trossard provides versatility but doesn’t have the physicality to consistently beat his man. Nusa gives Arteta both.

At 1.83m, Nusa has the frame to handle Premier League physicality while possessing the technical skills to play in tight spaces. His ability to play as a left-winger, attacking midfielder, or even centrally as a false nine would give Arsenal the tactical unpredictability they’ve been missing in big games.

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2. Age Profile Matches Arsenal’s Long-Term Vision

Arsenal’s strategy has been clear since Arteta arrived—invest in young talent and develop them into world-class players. Nusa fits this blueprint perfectly. Born on April 17, 2005, he’s only 20 years old but already has significant European experience with RB Leipzig and also has 15 international caps for Norway.

Compare this to Arsenal’s other attacking options. Bukayo Saka is 23 and already established. Martinelli is 23 and still inconsistent. Kai Havertz is 26 and has found his role. What Arsenal lack is that next generation of attacking talent who can grow with the team’s ambitions.

Nusa represents exactly that—a player who can contribute immediately but has his best years ahead of him. The ever-improving Antonio Nusa is currently loving life with RB Leipzig and Norway as the nimble-footed 20-year-old takes significant steps towards the top of the game. His development trajectory suggests he’s nowhere near his ceiling.

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3. Premier League Ready Physicality and Mentality

The biggest concern with young Continental players is whether they can adapt to Premier League intensity. Nusa has already proven he can handle high-pressure situations. His performances for Norway and in European competitions with Leipzig show a player with the mentality to thrive under pressure.

Arsenal’s recent struggles have often come from predictable attacking patterns. Opposition teams know exactly what to expect from Martinelli’s pace or Trossard’s cut-inside moves. Nusa brings something different—unpredictability combined with end product.

The Verdict

Arsenal should move quickly for Nusa before rivals realize what they’re missing. At £38 million, he represents excellent value for a player who can contribute immediately while fitting Arsenal’s long-term vision. This isn’t a gamble—it’s smart recruitment that addresses multiple tactical needs with one signing.