Aston Villa are closing in on an agreement for Arsenal target Sverre Nypan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Birmingham club recently surged into pole position for the Norwegian wonderkid. Nypan is one of Europe’s hottest midfield commodities after his stunning emergence at Rosenborg and had his pick of high-profile clubs.
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Arsenal and City Football Group-owned Girona both made formal offers for the 18-year-old in January, but the teenager eventually decided to bide his time and wait for the summer transfer window.
The offer from Arsenal remained on the table, but Aston Villa ultimately managed to swoop in and offer a better deal, with the Gunners unwilling to improve their proposal.
New talks between the Villans and Nypan have taken place over the past couple of weeks, and Fabrizio Romano now reports that an agreement is on the verge of being sealed.
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Aston Villa close in on Nypan
The transfer insider reports that Aston Villa are close to agreeing personal terms with the player’s camp on a long-term contract. Formal negotiations between Rosenborg and Villa will now follow to settle on a transfer fee.
Romano reports that Villa are confident of getting this deal over the line in what would be a major coup for Unai Emery and recruitment chief Monchi. Nypan, at times likened to compatriot Martin Odegaard, is regarded as one of Europe’s biggest prospects.
The promise of immediate first-team game time is likely what tipped the scales in Villa’s favour. Arsenal are planning to make at least one and potentially even two or three big-name midfield signings, so the competition at the Emirates would have been huge.
Nypan has been a regular fixture at Rosenborg since age 16, making a total of 63 appearances to date. He has notched 14 goals and 11 assists from midfield for his hometown club.
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