Manchester City are set to hijack Arsenal’s move for 18-year-old Sverre Nypan as they reportedly close in on an agreement to sign the Norwegian wonderkid.
The Rosenborg midfielder was the subject of a great deal of interest in the January window, with the Gunners leading the race to sign him.
Nypan even visited London in the winter months to speak to Arsenal officials as he weighed up his options.
However, six months on and it appears he is increasingly likely to join up with Mikel Arteta’s former boss Pep Guardiola, and become City’s fifth signing of the summer, according to The Athletic.
Personal terms are yet to be finalised between Nypan and the eight-time Premier League champions, but once they are he is expected to become the Norwegian League’s most expensive export.
City’s supposed plan is to send the youngster on a season-long loan before integrating him into their senior set-up in the future.
Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan is now reportedly close to joining Manchester City
City boss Pep Guardiola would look to send the 18-year-old star out on loan for the season
Arsenal had previously been in the box seat to sign Nypan but he has opted against joining them
Aston Villa and Girona – who are owned by the City Football Group – were originally running alongside Arsenal in the hunt for Nypan, while City were not believed to be interested in the midfielder at the turn of the year.
Villa made a presentation to Nypan in a bid to persuade him to move to the Midlands after Arsenal failed in their attempt, but Nypan opted to stick it out until the summer.
The 18-year-old was with his family and agent Rafaela Pimenta in Erling Haaland’s box to watch Manchester City beat Chelsea, in January.
And in the months that followed, City are believed to have made contact and have seemingly managed to convince Nypan, and his family, to move to the north west.
In the past, Nypan has admitted that his dream would be to play in Manchester – only in Man United’s red, rather than the sky blue of City.
Before Rosenborg faced the Red Devils in a friendly last summer, he admitted that he would love to play for the 20-time English champions, but later down the line.
‘It would obviously be a dream come true to play for Manchester United,’ he told the United Norway podcast.
‘I’m aware United has shown some interest. But I’m quite adamant that I don’t want to open that door yet. I want to focus on Rosenborg and not think too far ahead.’
In the past Nypan admitted that his dream would be to play in Man United prior to facing them
Nypan is only 18 years old but is already featuring at the Under 21 international level for Norway
Man City have already completed the £46million signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan
Rayan Cherki signed prior to the midfielder as one of a trio of outfield players signed by City
However, things seemed to have changed for the highly-rated talent, as he appears to be set for the blue side of Manchester.
Despite being just 18 years of age, Nypan has already notched up 70 senior appearances for Rosenborg, who currently lie third in the Norwegian top division.
He has also climbed through the youth ranks internationally and plays his trade for Norway Under 21s.
Meanwhile, City have completed their transfer business before the Club World Cup – landing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli in the last 48 hours.
