Arsenal advance in pursuit of Antonio Nusa with £34m bid prepared

Arsenal are ready to pay £34 million to sign Antonio Nusa, according to reports. The RB Salzburg winger has emerged as a key target for Mikel Arteta as the north London club seeks to bolster its attacking options.

Who is Antonio Nusa?

Nusa, 19, is a Norwegian international who starred at the 2022 World Cup. He has also shone for RB Salzburg, registering 11 goals and 8 assists this term. A left-footed right winger, Nusa is comfortable cutting inside, but can also play on the left flank.

Arsenal's interest comes as they look to add depth to their wide attacking positions. The club currently ranks 7th in the Premier League for goals scored from open play, partly due to inconsistency from their wingers.

Transfer market context

The £34m fee would be a significant outlay for a teenager, but is within Arsenal's budget after securing Champions League revenue. Comparatively, the club paid £45m for Gabriel Martinelli in 2023. Nusa's potential resale value is high given his age and international pedigree.

Impact on Arsenal's squad

Nusa would provide direct competition for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Saka has started 28 of Arsenal's 32 league matches this season, indicating a need for rotation. Nusa's arrival would allow Arteta to rest Saka in lower-stakes fixtures, preserving his fitness for the title run-in.

  • Nusa's dribbling success rate of 62% would add a new dimension to Arsenal's attack
  • He has averaged 3.2 key passes per 90 in the Austrian Bundesliga
  • His arrival could see Emile Smith Rowe pushed further back in the pecking order

FFL implications

Nusa is currently owned by only 0.3% of Fantasy Premier League teams. If he moves, his price is likely to be around £6.5m. Arsenal face a kind run of fixtures after March (GW29 onwards), making him a potential differential for late-season pushes.

What next?

Arsenal are expected to formalise their interest with a bid in the coming weeks. RB Salzburg are likely to demand a higher fee, but Arsenal's willingness to pay £34m indicates strong intent. The deal could be concluded before the summer window opens.

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