Arsenal‘s pursuit of RB Leipzig sensation Antonio Nusa has reached fever pitch, with the Gunners considering the Norwegian left-winger as part of their talks over Benjamin Sesko, with Leipzig potentially valuing Nusa at around €45 million. After a breakthrough campaign that saw the 20-year-old conclude the 2024/25 season with 5 goals and 8 assists across all competitions, this comprehensive SWOT analysis reveals why Nusa could be Arsenal’s most transformative signing.

PLAYER PROFILE – Antonio Nusa

Age: 20 years old
Position: Left Winger/Right Winger
Height: 1.83m
Nationality: Norway (15 caps, 5 goals)
Current Value: €32M-€39.1M
Contract: Until 2029 with RB Leipzig

The fourth youngest player to score in Champions League history brings a staggering pedigree that screams world-class potential. But does he fit Arsenal’s championship puzzle?

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS: The Explosive Arsenal

Blistering Pace and Direct Running
Nusa’s acceleration is absolutely frightening. His ability to terrorize full-backs in 1v1 situations has been Leipzig’s secret weapon all season. Known for his explosive pace and direct playing style, the Norwegian brings exactly the kind of penetrative threat that Arsenal’s possession-heavy system occasionally lacks.

Ambidextrous Versatility
Unlike most wingers who fade when switched flanks, Nusa can play on either wing with equal devastation. This tactical flexibility would give Arteta incredible in-game options – imagine the chaos when defenses can’t predict which flank he’ll demolish next!

Youth with Elite Experience
At just 20, Nusa already boasts 86 appearances for Club Brugge with seven goals and six assists, plus his history-making Champions League exploits and currently has 36 appearances for current club RB Leipzig. This isn’t raw potential – it’s proven quality at the highest level.

Clinical End Product
Nusa combines creativity with killer instinct. His numbers suggest a player who doesn’t just beat defenders – he punishes them.

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WEAKNESSES: The Question Marks

Physical Adaptation Concerns
The Premier League’s intensity is unforgiving, and while Nusa has thrived in the Bundesliga, the step up to English football’s relentless pace could expose any physical limitations. At 1.83m, he’s got decent height, but consistency against Premier League physicality remains unproven.

Defensive Contribution
Modern wingers must track back religiously, and Arsenal’s system demands exceptional work rate from wide players. Nusa’s defensive statistics suggest this could be his Achilles heel – a potential liability when Arsenal face counter-attacking threats.

Consistency Issues
Despite his explosive moments, Nusa has played in 25 matches and scored 3 goals in the 2024/2025 Bundesliga season – suggesting he can disappear in certain games. Arsenal need players who deliver week after week, not just in spurts.

OPPORTUNITIES: The Arsenal Fit

Perfect System Match
Arsenal’s fluid front three would unleash Nusa’s versatility. His ability to drift inside, stretch defenses, or interchange positions with Martin Ødegaard creates tactical nightmares for opponents. Arteta’s positional play philosophy would amplify Nusa’s natural intelligence.

Marketing and Commercial Value
A young Norwegian international with Champions League pedigree represents massive commercial potential. Arsenal’s global fanbase would embrace a player with Nusa’s exciting profile and highlight-reel moments.

Long-term Investment
At 20, Nusa offers 10+ years of peak performance. Unlike short-term fixes, this signing future-proofs Arsenal’s attack while potentially delivering massive resale value if he fulfills his world-class potential.

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THREATS: The Risk Factors

Adaptation Timeline
Arsenal can’t afford lengthy adaptation periods in their title chase. If Nusa needs 18 months to settle, it could derail immediate championship ambitions while competitors strengthen.

Injury Susceptibility
Explosive wingers often face muscle injuries, and Arsenal’s injury record with pacy players (think Reiss Nelson’s struggles) raises red flags. One long-term injury could turn a €45M investment into dead money.

Competition for Places
With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard already competing for wide positions, Nusa might struggle for consistent game time. Unhappy bench warmers rarely fulfill their potential.

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How Marc Guehi Would Slot Into Arsenal’s Current XI

Marc Guehi’s potential arrival at Arsenal presents fascinating tactical possibilities for Mikel Arteta’s system. With Arsenal’s current defensive setup built around the established partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel, Guehi’s integration would require careful consideration of formation adjustments and positional flexibility.

Current Defensive Structure

Arsenal’s preferred back four currently features Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel forming the core defensive unit alongside David Raya in goal, though both Timber and Saliba faced late-season injury concerns. Timber and Saliba missed Arsenal’s final game of the 2024/25 season at Southampton due to injury, with Timber undergoing ankle surgery, but are expected to be back by the beginning on the next season.

Arsenal can switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1, providing tactical flexibility that Guehi’s versatility would enhance significantly. His ability to play across the defensive line offers Arteta multiple integration pathways.

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Primary Integration Options

Centre-Back Partnership: Guehi’s most natural fit would be alongside Saliba. However, Gabriel is at the peak of his powers, and just signed a massive contract extension as well. However, Guehi’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities make him an immediate option from the bench or as a starter in non-EPL games.

Left Centre-Back Role: Guehi’s comfort on both feet allows him to operate effectively in this position, providing the ball-playing ability Arteta demands from his defenders.

Rotational Competition: Given Arsenal’s demanding fixture list and injury concerns, Guehi would initially provide high-quality depth while competing for a starting position. His consistency and reliability could gradually earn him regular first-team status.

Tactical Benefits

Guehi’s aerial dominance would address Arsenal’s recent defensive set-piece vulnerabilities. His leadership experience, demonstrated through captaining Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory, would strengthen Arsenal’s defensive organization and communication.

The defender’s pace and recovery speed suit Arsenal’s high defensive line, while his composure under pressure aligns with their possession-based approach. His Premier League experience eliminates adaptation concerns that often accompany new signings.

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Formation Flexibility

In three-at-the-back formations, Guehi could operate as the left centre-back, providing width and defensive stability.

Immediate Impact Potential

Unlike many transfers requiring extensive bedding-in periods, Guehi’s Premier League pedigree suggests immediate integration possibilities. His understanding of English football’s demands and proven ability in high-pressure situations make him an attractive option for Arsenal’s title ambitions.

The Crystal Palace captain’s FA Cup triumph demonstrates his capability in crucial moments, exactly the mentality Arsenal need for sustained success. His arrival would provide both immediate defensive improvement and long-term strategic value, potentially forming the foundation of Arsenal’s defense for years to come.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is once again ready to swoop for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, a year on from being priced out of a move for the Eagles’ captain. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the Gunners, with the England international entering the final year of his Selhurst Park contract.

After being quoted astronomical figures last summer, Arsenal now find themselves in a dramatically improved negotiating position. The 24-year-old centre-back, who captained Palace to FA Cup glory earlier this year, represents exactly the profile Arteta has been seeking to solidify his defensive foundations.

The Tactical Fit That Makes Perfect Sense

Guehi’s attributes align seamlessly with Arsenal’s high-line defensive system. His pace and recovery speed would complement William Saliba’s aggressive positioning, while his left-footed distribution offers the kind of progressive passing that has become essential in modern football. The England defender’s ability to step into midfield during build-up phases makes him a natural fit for Arteta’s possession-heavy approach.

Unlike the cumbersome pursuits of previous transfer windows, this deal has genuine momentum. With the sands of time whittling Guehi’s contract down to its final year, the 24-year-old England defender emerges as a tantalizingly affordable prospect for the Gunners. Palace’s negotiating power has significantly weakened, transforming what was once a £70million+ valuation into a more realistic £40million proposition.

The defensive reinforcement couldn’t come at a more crucial time for Arsenal. With Saliba’s own contract situation creating uncertainty and the aging partnership of Gabriel requiring long-term succession planning, Guehi represents both immediate quality and future investment.

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Competition Heats Up the Race

However, Arsenal aren’t operating in isolation. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are also interested in making moves for him in the summer of 2025, while Tottenham had a bid turned down in the January transfer window. The North London rivalry adds another layer of intrigue, with Spurs having already tested Palace’s resolve earlier this year.

What gives Arsenal the edge is their established relationship with Guehi’s representatives and the player’s apparent preference for Champions League football. The Gunners’ European pedigree and Arteta’s reputation for developing young defenders could prove decisive factors.

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The Bigger Picture

This pursuit represents more than just squad depth for Arsenal. Guehi’s arrival would signal serious intent in their title challenge, addressing one of the few remaining gaps in an otherwise complete squad. His leadership qualities, demonstrated through Palace’s cup triumph, align with Arteta’s emphasis on character alongside ability.

With Palace’s contractual leverage diminishing by the day and Arsenal’s defensive needs becoming increasingly urgent, expect this saga to accelerate rapidly. The window of opportunity is narrow, but for once, Arsenal find themselves perfectly positioned to strike.

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