Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is reportedly helping the club pursue RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa ahead of the January transfer window, using their shared connection with Norway’s national team to encourage the young attacker to consider a move to north London. According to Football London on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the midfielder has spoken directly with Nusa about the possibility of joining him at the Emirates Stadium.

Journalist Mark Brus revealed in The Daily Briefing that Ødegaard has been discussing the prospect of becoming club teammates with the 21-year-old. Their international relationship gives Arsenal’s captain an opportunity to explain the club’s ambitions. While such conversations may help present Arsenal’s project positively, Nusa will ultimately have to decide whether a transfer suits his career.

Arsenal are also reportedly holding discussions with Nusa’s representatives and RB Leipzig as they assess the financial and practical conditions of a potential deal. The German club are understood to value the Norway international at approximately £60 million. Arsenal, however, are hoping to secure his services for a lower amount, with a fee of around £45 million believed to be their preferred figure.

The difference between the two valuations could prove a significant obstacle. Leipzig are not obliged to accept Arsenal’s proposed price, and the London club would need to reach an agreement with them before any transfer could progress. The contact shows Arsenal are exploring a deal, but no agreement has been reached.

Nusa has continued to attract attention through his performances for Leipzig. His pace and ability to attack from wide areas are among the qualities that make him attractive to Arsenal. He scored in Wednesday’s 3-2 Champions League defeat against Manchester City, a match that further highlighted his attacking threat. His displays have reportedly brought him to the attention of several Premier League clubs, potentially creating competition for Arsenal if Leipzig are willing to consider offers.

Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen to add more quality to his attacking options as Arsenal continue to compete across multiple competitions. Strengthening the wide areas could give the manager greater flexibility when managing the demands of the second half of the campaign. Nusa’s reported availability and his performances have therefore made him a player worth monitoring as the club considers its January business.

Arsenal recently secured a 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, although they experienced periods of defensive pressure after making a strong start. Squad depth could become increasingly important as the schedule intensifies.

Ødegaard’s involvement may give Arsenal an advantage in their pursuit because he already knows Nusa through the Norwegian national setup. However, personal encouragement alone will not resolve the financial negotiations or guarantee the winger’s agreement.

With Leipzig reportedly seeking close to £60 million and Arsenal targeting a lower fee, the coming weeks could be decisive. The Gunners will need to find common ground with the German club and convince Nusa that the Emirates is the right next step if they want to turn their interest into a January signing.