Arsenal ready January move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa

Arsenal are preparing a fresh move for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa in the January transfer window, according to Caught Offside. The Norway international has emerged as a top target for the Premier League holders, who are short on left-sided attackers after Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring injury.

  • Target: Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)
  • Fee: Around £51 million (The Sun)
  • Window: January 2027
  • Alternative: Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)
  • Reason: Christos Tzolis hamstring injury; lack of left-wing cover

Deal details

Arsenal are preparing a fresh approach for Nusa, having been linked with him during the summer but never making a formal bid. The Sun previously claimed the Norwegian could be prised away for around £51 million, but Arsenal may have to pay a much higher fee to persuade Leipzig to sell mid-season. Juventus' Kenan Yildiz is the other alternative, though convincing the Bianconeri to sell would require a huge offer. No official negotiations have been reported, and Leipzig are likely to be reluctant to sanction a departure midway through the campaign.

Why Arsenal want Nusa

Arsenal signed Christos Tzolis over the summer, but their left-wing department was weakened by the exits of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in the same window. Tzolis recently sustained a hamstring injury and could be out for a few weeks at least. That leaves Eberechi Eze, primarily a central attacking playmaker, to operate as a makeshift left winger, while Noni Madueke could also play there. Hence Arsenal are expected to splash the cash on a left-sided attacker in January.

Nusa's form and potential

Nusa did not make a significant impact for Leipzig during the 2025/26 campaign, registering only 5 goals and 4 assists from 35 appearances in all competitions. However, he has stepped up to another level this term, amassing 5 goal contributions in 6 matches, and recently provided an assist on Nations League duty for Norway. The winger has become more consistent, catching the eye with his dribbling and directness in the final third, and he does not shy away from taking long-range shots.

The numbers

  • Nusa 2025/26 (Leipzig): 35 appearances, 5 goals, 4 assists
  • Nusa 2026/27 (Leipzig): 6 matches, 5 goal contributions
  • Reported fee: around £51 million

Analysis: Why Nusa fits Arsenal's January plan

Antonio Nusa would provide the directness and width Arsenal currently lack on the left. With Christos Tzolis injured and Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli gone, the Gunners have been forced to use Eberechi Eze out wide, reducing his influence in central areas. Nusa's ability to beat defenders one-on-one and shoot from distance would give Arsenal a different attacking dimension, particularly in games where they need to break down deep blocks.

However, prising him from Leipzig in January will be difficult. The Bundesliga club are under no pressure to sell mid-season, and Nusa's improved form has only increased his value. Arsenal may need to pay well above the £51 million previously mentioned to convince Leipzig to part with a player who is finally delivering on his potential.

The alternative, Kenan Yildiz, would be even harder to sign. Juventus have no desire to lose their young star, and any deal would likely require a huge offer. Arsenal's recruitment team must weigh the cost of a January deal against the risk of leaving themselves short in a crucial part of the season.

Talking points

  • Is Nusa worth a fee significantly higher than £51 million given his limited track record before this season?
  • Should Arsenal instead promote from within or use Eze and Madueke as temporary solutions?
  • Would Leipzig even consider selling in January when they are competing on multiple fronts?
  • Is Kenan Yildiz a more exciting target despite the likely higher cost and difficulty of negotiation?

What happens next

Arsenal will continue to monitor Nusa's performances for Leipzig and Norway, and a formal approach could come early in the January window. The club's need for a left winger is urgent due to Tzolis's injury, but Leipzig's stance will determine whether a deal is possible. Arsenal's next Premier League fixture against Leeds will be a test of their makeshift attack, and results could influence how aggressively they pursue a new signing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arsenal signing Antonio Nusa in January?

Arsenal are preparing a fresh move for Antonio Nusa in the January transfer window, according to Caught Offside, but no deal has been agreed.

How much would Antonio Nusa cost?

The Sun previously claimed Nusa could be prised away for around £51 million, but Arsenal may have to pay a much higher fee to persuade Leipzig to sell in January.

Why do Arsenal need a left winger?

Christos Tzolis sustained a hamstring injury and could be out for a few weeks, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli left in the summer, leaving Arsenal short in that position.

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