RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa is a target for Arsenal. The Premier League club is closely monitoring the 21-year-old Norwegian ahead of the January transfer window. Nusa himself is in the form of his life this season, with 13 goal contributions across three competitions. He has already accounted for more than half of the 20 goal contributions internally projected for him. Manager Mikel Arteta said he is "impressed by Nusa's tactical discipline, versatility and athleticism". A delegation from London was present at the Manchester City match to scout Nusa, where he scored in the 61st minute. RB Leipzig lost that game 2-3 on November 4th.
Interest and Internal Valuation
Besides Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also interested in the attacker. RB Leipzig's internal valuation for a potential move next summer is up to €80 million. His current market value is listed at €45 million, with an update expected this Tuesday. The club needs approximately €100 million in revenue from player sales next summer. A sale in January is not planned, however. RB Leipzig will only let Nusa go if an "unmoralistic" offer arrives, one that significantly exceeds his worth. A fee around €60 million, similar to Yan Diomande's summer move, would not be enough.
Nusa's Role and Competition
Nusa could fill the left wing slot at Arsenal left open by the departures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, after Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior turned down a move. At RB Leipzig, the Norwegian is a key figure. In the Bundesliga, the club currently sits fourth with 15 points from eight games. The team has scored 22 goals this season and is three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Nusa contributed a goal in each of the last two league games against Schalke and Manchester City. The standings show the tight race at the top of the table.
Current Situation and Outlook
Nusa is dealing with muscular problems in his thigh. His availability for the next match against FC Augsburg on November 7th will be decided on matchday. Augsburg currently sits 11th in the table. The last meeting ended in a 2-1 home win for Leipzig in March. If Nusa's market value increases, Castello Lukeba, currently valued at €50 million, could be overtaken as the club's most valuable player. RB Leipzig's immediate focus is on the important home fixture this weekend, before rumours surrounding the winger inevitably resurface in January.
More detail at ESPN Soccer
