Arsenal and Spurs Compete for £51m World Cup Star Nusa
The World Cup has a habit of throwing one name into the glare of Europe’s transfer spotlight. This summer, it’s Nusa.
The 21-year-old Norway international has come out of the tournament with his stock transformed. Six appearances, a driving presence from the flank, and the landmark moment: Norway’s first goal in their last‑32 win over Ivory Coast. Add that to a standout Bundesliga campaign and you get the profile every sporting director in Europe now seems to be chasing.
One problem. RB Leipzig know exactly what they’ve got – and they’ve nailed a £51 million price tag to it.
Arsenal weigh their options
Arsenal are circling, but not rushing. Inside the Emirates, the mood is calculated rather than frantic. Nusa is admired, the need for another dynamic wide forward understood, yet the club’s next move hinges on Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is not on the market in any formal sense, but the stance is clear: a serious bid north of £51 million from Europe or Asia would force a conversation. Until then, Arsenal are watching and waiting.
The squad is already shifting. Leandro Trossard has gone to Besiktas, trimming experience from the forward line. Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge, a younger option with upside, but not one expected to close the door on another winger of Nusa’s calibre. Arsenal also saw a key target slip away when Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea in a £117 million deal, leaving a gap on their recruitment board that Nusa could yet fill.
The interest is real. The timing is delicate.
Spurs interested, but blocked by numbers
Across north London, Tottenham’s gaze is just as fixed on the Leipzig winger, but their path is cluttered.
Spurs want another wide player. The need has only grown after injuries ruled Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert out of the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia. A tour meant to sharpen attacking patterns has instead underlined the lack of available wingers.
Yet before they can move, Spurs have to clear the decks. The futures of returning loanees Manor Solomon and Mikey Moore remain unresolved, and those decisions will shape both budget and squad space. Until that picture clears, an official bid for Nusa stays on hold.
The intention is there. The execution is lagging behind.
Milan and Roma push from the shadows
While the Premier League giants hesitate, Italy is trying to act.
AC Milan and AS Roma have already opened direct talks with Nusa’s representatives, looking to steal a march on the English clubs. Milan, according to the same report, view him as a priority target. Their strategy is bold: raise funds by selling Rafael Leao, then pivot aggressively for Nusa as the next wide spearhead of their project.
Roma are taking a different angle. They are prepared to test Leipzig with a £38 million offer – short of the German club’s valuation but high enough to ask a serious question. If Leipzig show any flexibility, Roma want to be first in line.
The Italian interest adds pressure. It also gives Leipzig more leverage.
The player is ready. Is Leipzig?
Nusa, for his part, is understood to be open to a new challenge after his World Cup surge. This is the moment players in his position dream of: multiple top clubs, multiple leagues, one career-defining choice.
That openness raises the prospect of talks accelerating as pre-season deepens and squads start to take final shape. Arsenal may finally decide on Martinelli’s future. Spurs may resolve their loanees and free up space. Milan and Roma may push harder, especially if their own outgoing deals fall into place.
Yet every road leads back to the same barrier.
Leipzig’s £51 million valuation is the line in the sand. Convincing them to move it – even slightly – is expected to decide who actually turns interest into a signature. Until someone blinks, Nusa remains the World Cup breakout on everyone’s list and no one’s team sheet.
Which of Europe’s heavyweights will gamble first on the price of potential at its hottest point?
