RB Leipzig have set an €80 million asking price for winger Antonio Nusa, who has emerged as a target for Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners are expected to strengthen their forward line this winter after a quiet summer in that area.
Arsenal sanctioned the departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but their only attacking addition was Greek international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, who has made a limited impact so far due to injury. The club also missed out on several high-profile targets, with Morgan Rogers joining Chelsea, Vinicius Junior signing a new long-term contract at Real Madrid, and Julian Alvarez staying at Atletico Madrid despite Arsenal's willingness to break their transfer record for him.
Scouts Watch Nusa in Champions League
Nusa, a Norway international, was monitored by Arsenal before he moved to RB Leipzig from Club Brugge and has remained on their radar. According to Bild, Arsenal sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old during Leipzig's recent Champions League match against Manchester City, where he scored in a narrow 3-2 defeat.
The German publication also reports that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is 'impressed by Nusa's tactical discipline, versatility, and athleticism'. Leipzig are reluctant to sell their prize asset this winter unless an extraordinary offer arrives, but would be willing to do business next summer for a fee in the region of €80 million.
Arsenal's Strong Start
Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season, with Saturday's 1-0 win over Hull City representing a ninth win from 10 Premier League games. Mikel Arteta's side are also well placed to qualify automatically for the next phase of the Champions League, having collected 10 points from a possible 12 so far.
Most of Arsenal's wins have been by one-goal margins, with Arteta relying heavily on the defensive strength that has become the hallmark of his side. Adding more quality to the forward line appears to be the next phase in Arsenal's evolution, with Nusa identified as a potential target to provide that additional attacking threat.
