RB Leipzig's electrifying winger, Antonio Nusa, is actively deflecting persistent transfer speculation linking him with English champions Arsenal, even as his national team manager, Stale Solbakken, publicly advocates for him to remain in the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old sensation, often dubbed the 'Norwegian Neymar,' finds himself at the heart of a burgeoning transfer saga despite his clear focus on his current club and impending international duties.
Speaking to TV2, Nusa articulated his strategy for managing the intense scrutiny: 'I try to take a step back from that,' he revealed, adding, 'I try not to open my phone too often, because there's always something going on there.' Acknowledging the pervasive nature of the rumours – 'I see everything, then! Whatever comes. I'm not blind, so I get it,' he laughed – Nusa stressed his commitment to his 'fantastic team with a fantastic coach (Martin Demichelis)' at Leipzig, crediting his agent for handling 'all the other parts' to allow him to focus purely on football. This dedication is reflected in his remarkable Bundesliga form, boasting a joint-highest combined tally of 11 goal involvements (four goals, seven assists) this season, matched only by Bayern Munich star Harry Kane. Arsenal's keen interest is well-documented, with the Premier League holders reportedly dispatching a delegation to observe Nusa during Leipzig's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Manchester City.
Adding a significant voice to the conversation, Norway boss Stale Solbakken has firmly advised Nusa against a mid-season departure. 'I think it's a good idea for him to play there this season, and get a good Bundesliga season where he can mature a little more before he takes the final step,' Solbakken stated, emphasizing the benefits of a full pre-season at a new club without the distraction of a European Championship or World Cup. Nusa's international pedigree is already impressive, with 34 caps for the Norwegian national team, nine goals, and ten assists to his name. Notably, he scored a crucial goal during Norway's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. He is poised to earn his 35th cap this Saturday in a vital Nations League clash against Wales, a match Norway must win to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals from their current position at the bottom of Group A4.
As the January transfer window looms, Arsenal, reportedly looking to bolster their squad for their Premier League title defence and Champions League push, will undoubtedly continue their pursuit of the highly-rated forward. However, Nusa's public commitment to Leipzig, coupled with the strategic counsel from his national team manager, presents a clear message regarding his immediate future. While the allure of a move to the English champions remains a significant proposition, the 'Norwegian Neymar' appears intent on further honing his craft in Germany, prioritizing consistent development over a potentially disruptive mid-season switch, leaving his long-term destination an intriguing prospect for future windows.
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