Arsenal are reportedly better placed than Newcastle United in the race to sign RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with Champions League football giving Mikel Arteta’s side a significant advantage.
Aston Villa are also understood to be competing for the 21-year-old, who has made an impressive start to the season. Nusa has registered seven goal contributions in his first seven appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal hold Champions League advantage in Antonio Nusa pursuit
Arsenal and Villa are said to have the strongest position among the interested clubs because they can offer Champions League football. Newcastle, meanwhile, do not hold the same attraction in that regard.
Nusa is valued at about £60 million, while Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to sell a player whose contract runs until 2029.
Any move in January could also depend on Leipzig’s progress in the Champions League. The German club are unlikely to seriously consider a sale while they remain in the competition, making the closing stages of the winter transfer window potentially important for Arsenal.
Nusa’s profile appears to fit the type of wide attacker Arsenal have been seeking. He is naturally suited to the left wing, possesses outstanding acceleration and is regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous dribblers.
His ability to carry the ball through pressure and take on defenders directly could offer Arsenal another way to attack when Bukayo Saka is closely marked on the opposite flank.
Leipzig manager Martin Demichelis has praised Nusa’s performances, saying: “In my opinion, he’s one of the best wingers in Europe right now.”
The winger’s form has strengthened the case for a sizeable fee, although £60 million would represent a significant investment. Arsenal, Newcastle and Villa remain in contention, but Arsenal are reported to have the strongest sporting proposition as they consider whether Nusa could develop into an elite forward under Arteta.
