Arsenal hopeful of signing Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg despite Girona interest
Arsenal hopeful of signing Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg despite Girona interest
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Arsenal are hopeful of beating Manchester City’s sister club Girona to the signing of Sverre Nypan after holding further talks with the Norway Under-21 midfielder. Nypan, who in 2023 became the youngest player in Rosenborg’s history to score in a league match at the age of 16 years and 145 days, is in London with his representatives after attending Manchester City’s victory against Chelsea on Saturday. The 18-year-old is understood to be close to making a decision over his future after meeting Arsenal officials on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta keen to reinforce his squad this month after long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
![[Matheus Cunha (right) laments a missed chance]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/45fd492ff48c3df8a1bbe98f796fa297e8f453cb/0_147_2233_1339/master/2233.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Nypan has been compared to his compatriot Martin Ødegaard for his creative abilities, having scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the Norwegian top flight last season. He is also wanted by Girona, who are owned by City Football Group, and was spotted in Erling Haaland’s box with the agent Rafaela Pimenta for the game against Chelsea. Aston Villa and Tottenham are also believed to have shown an interest. Nypan is expected to cost around £10m up front, although Rosenborg are likely to demand significant add-ons as part of the deal.
The Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke was in London this week and held discussions with Jason Ayto – who replaced Edu Gaspar as sporting director last year – over the funds available for transfers this month. Arteta has made no secret of his desire to sign a striker before the end of the January transfer window, with Arsenal believed to have explored whether RB Leipzig might be prepared to sell Benjamin Sesko this month. The Slovenia striker signed a new contract last summer that is believed to include an understanding over a future transfer fee.
