Arsenal are stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.
According to Italian newspaper TMW, Arsenal are seriously interested in Nusa and are working on a deal to bring the highly rated winger to the Premier League.
The Gunners have identified the Norwegian international as a key target and are confident they can reach an agreement to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
However, negotiations have hardly been smooth, with both clubs at odds over the player’s valuation.
Leipzig believe Nusa, described as ‘one of the best wingers in Europe’, is worth around €70 million (£58m) and are not ready to budge on their asking price.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are only prepared to pay around €55m (£46m) for the talented winger.
The €15m (£12.5m) valuation gap is the main obstacle preventing negotiations from moving forward. If the two clubs can’t find common ground, the transfer could be off.
Interestingly, there are signs that Arsenal may be ready to increase their offer as discussions continue.
The Premier League champions are determined to keep the transfer alive, suggesting they may be prepared to move closer to Leipzig’s demands.
Leipzig’s stance is also understandable after completing a mega-money deal over the summer.
The Bundesliga side sold another rising star, Yan Diomande, to Real Madrid for an earth-shattering €140m (£117m), so they’re under no pressure to offer Arsenal a discount for Nusa.
Nusa’s performances since moving to one of the top five leagues have significantly increased his stock.
The 21-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists since joining Leipzig. He has also been in fantastic form this season, notching four goals and six assists in 12 games across all competitions.
His attacking qualities and ability to operate in wide areas would be a massive boost to Arsenal’s attacking options. But it remains to be seen if they can sign him mid-season.
Arsenal could be rivalled by Serie A side AS Roma, who were interested in Nusa last summer. The Norwegian has also been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.