Aston Villa want to close a deal to sign Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan ahead of Arsenal and other suitors, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Gunners were looking to sign the 18-year-old during the January transfer window, and talks between them, the Norwegian top-flight club and the player’s representatives were held.
However, Nypan appears to have opted to join Villa ahead of Arsenal, with the Midlands club confident of landing him, but they have to agree personal terms with him and a fee with Rosenborg.
The teenage sensation was also in Manchester in January to visit Manchester City and discuss a potential move, but Arsenal remained firmly in the race at the time and were hoping to pip the reigning champions and others to his services.
🚨🇳🇴 Norwegian 18 year old top talent Sverre Nypan will be in Manchester in the next hours, as @Ole_Saga reported.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
🔵 Understand Nypan’s gonna visit Manchester City as they’re set to present their plan…
…including potential Girona loan. Nypan will take his time to decide 👀🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/AiDIMkm4z9
They will have to look elsewhere for reinforcement in attacking midfield as Nypan appears to have made up his mind about joining Villa, and sporting director Andrea Berta will be looking to get a quality option for manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners want a new striker and were hoping to land the Norway youth international alongside one given that he can pass well, carry the ball, create goalscoring chances and score goals, but the prospects of regular playing time at the Villa Park club could have influenced his decision.
Arsenal have a huge chance of reaching the finals of the Champions League this season after beating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first-leg of the quarter-final last week, and winning the elite European competition will boost their chances of attracting the best players in the summer transfer window.
