Football.London: Arsenal targets Antonio Nusa, Odegaard could be intermediary

According to Football.London, Arsenal are targeting Antonio Nusa, and Arteta's recent statements about the transfer window may hint that Ødegaard could be involved in any potential move.

Football.London understands that Arsenal are very interested in RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa ahead of the January transfer window. The Norwegian international is just one of several players the club is monitoring, with Junior Kroupi of AFC Bournemouth also believed to be on their radar.

Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table ahead of their match against Hull City, and could even extend their lead further by the time the winter transfer window opens. While the transfer window is still about two months away, the upcoming international break provides an opportunity for managers like Arteta.

Target players will report to their respective national teams, allowing interested parties to evaluate them in different environments. But not only that, they often play with players of different levels, or in some cases, with potential future teammates, so clubs like Arsenal can see if they are a good fit.

Antonio Nusa will represent Norway alongside Arsenal captain Ødegaard during the break, playing against Wales and Denmark. Football.London asked Arteta at the pre-match press conference how the international break helps them formulate transfer strategies and what benefits it brings.

"Yes, we will," he said when asked if he uses international matches to help with pre-winter window work. "And obviously, when we have the opportunity to talk to players about the people they are going to be playing with for two or three weeks in a row, that information is extremely valuable."

"I think everyone does that. There's a big difference between the Premier League and international football, and what both represent. But there's always a lot to learn."

Arsenal will face competition for Antonio Nusa. After Kvaratskhelia's injury, it is believed that the French team is also active and evaluating options for the left wing.

Antonio Nusa has scored 5 goals and provided 7 assists for RB Leipzig so far this season, and the 21-year-old is expected to have his most productive season yet. He was previously close to joining Brentford, but issues found during his medical raised concerns, ultimately leading to the breakdown of the deal.

"So they were a bit worried," he said in March 2024, telling VG.

"That's fine. Of course, we were worried too. Something wasn't right, and it was important to find out. Now we've figured it out.

"It's about health. As a player, you always want to be 100 percent. I was worried there was something wrong with my body. That period was tough, but it wasn't a big problem actually. We found that out later."