Arsenal are laying the groundwork for a January move to sign RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, according to German outlet Fussball News, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his attack in the second half of the season.

The push for fresh attacking reinforcements comes in the wake of a sobering 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium — the Gunners' first loss of the campaign — which exposed vulnerabilities in their forward line and prompted questions about the squad's depth in attacking areas.

Who is Antonio Nusa?

Nusa, 21, is a left-winger who has emerged as one of the most dynamic attackers in the Bundesliga since joining RB Leipzig. The Norwegian international lit up the World Cup alongside Emirates Stadium captain Martin Odegaard and has continued that form at club level, contributing two goals and two assists in just four Bundesliga appearances this season.

His ability to hug the touchline, cut inside, and contribute both goals and chances makes him precisely the kind of forward Arteta has built his system around during his time in north London. The archetype is a familiar one at Arsenal — most recently illustrated by the January 2023 signing of Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Obstacles ahead

A move will not be straightforward. Nusa is contracted to RB Leipzig until 2029, and Fussball News reports that the German club have no desire to part with one of their standout performers in the middle of the season. Transfermarkt values the winger at €45 million.

Nusa had previously been linked with a switch to Brentford in January 2024, only for the deal to fall through after the Bees identified back and knee concerns. A knee injury did indeed sideline him for two months shortly afterwards, but he has since established consistent form at RB Leipzig, silencing doubts about his durability.

Arsenal rarely dip into the January market, preferring to do the bulk of their business in the summer — a strategy that served them well during their last two Premier League title challenges. However, the emphatic nature of the Brighton & Hove Albion defeat appears to have accelerated their thinking. The club resume domestic action hosting Leeds United this weekend when the Premier League returns from the international break.