Arsenal were left shocked after losing out to Manchester City in the race for Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.
The Gunners were considered among the front-runners to land the exciting 18-year-old starlet this summer, but were forced to accept defeat in their pursuit after City struck a record-breaking deal with Rosenborg worth £12.5m this week.
Nypan is now expected to sign a contract until 2030 with Pep Guardiola’s side and will most likely go out on loan next season, with City sister club Girona emerging as a potential destination.
The 18-year-old was also heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa before Man City advanced on the deal to make him their fifth signing of the summer already, along with Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli.
Arsenal Suffer Sverre Nypan Blow
Man City agree £12.5m deal to sign the 18-year-old
Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC)
Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, revealed that Arsenal were reportedly surprised by Man City winning the race for Nypan, as they believed Villa were their main rivals:
“It’s weird. Arsenal thought they got him.
“It was actually Villa who came on (strongest). Arsenal are a little bit shocked that City have ended up getting him. They thought City were out of it and felt they had beaten him to him.”
Nypan is considered one of Norway’s top prospects and has drawn heavy comparisons to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard.
The 'generational' 18-year-old has already played 70 senior games for Rosenborg, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists, and is a Norway Under-21 international.
Arsenal have yet to welcome their first signing of the summer but are expected to officially announce the arrivals of Spanish duo Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga soon.
The Gunners reached an agreement in principle for Zubimendi’s £51m move last month and are expected to pay Kepa’s £5m release clause to London rivals Chelsea.
Sverre Nypan's Rosenborg Stats (2025 Eliteserien)
Games
Goals
Assists
Minutes played
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.
Andrea Berta Related
Arsenal About to Make £60m+ Bid to Sign 'Extraordinary' Star
Arsenal are preparing a second offer in excess of £60m for the 26-year-old striker.
Statistics courtesy ofFbrefandTransfermarkt. Correct as of 1 3 -06-25.