Transfer Centre

Arsenal, Manchester United 'send scouts to watch Antonio Nusa'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 September 2023

Arsenal, Man United 'send scouts to watch Antonio Nusa'

Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs to send scouts to keep an eye on 18-year-old Club Brugge attacker Antonio Nusa.

Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs to have sent scouts to keep an eye on Club Brugge teenager Antonio Nusa.

The 18-year-old Norwegian starlet left Stabaek in 2021 to join the Belgian side, whom he has already played 47 games for despite his tender age.

In that time, Nusa has produced five goals and four assists for Club Brugge in all tournaments, proving to be a worthwhile investment since his arrival for a mere £2.6m.

Nusa has already earned a slice of history since touching down in Belgium, becoming the youngest player to score on his Champions League debut in a 4-0 thrashing of Porto last year.

This term, the 2005-born attacker has contributed two goals and three assists from his opening 11 appearances of the season, predominantly from a left-wing position, although he can also play at the tip of the attack.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in September 2023 © Reuters

Nusa has also begun to attract the attention of Norway head coach Stale Solbakken, and he made his first two appearances for the Scandinavian side against Jordan and Georgia earlier this month.

The Club Brugge protege found the back of the net on his international debut for his country against Jordan in a friendly, before providing two assists against Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Brugge have Nusa under contract until 2027 - having tied him down to an extension as recently as April - but according to The Express, both Man United and Arsenal have been alerted to his progress.

The report claims that the two clubs deployed scouts with the intention of watching Nusa in action against Besiktas in the Europa Conference League, but he was forced to miss that game with a back injury.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

While the Big Six representatives were unable to catch a glimpse of Nusa in action on Thursday, they are expected to cast an eye over his performances in the coming months ahead of a possible bidding war in 2024.

Chelsea are said to have tried to prise Nusa away from the Jupiler Pro League with a £23m bid on deadline day, but the Blues saw their approach rebuffed and may try again over the winter.

However, Arsenal are also rumoured to be planning an offer of £30m to test Club Brugge's resolve, and Nusa has been given a glowing review by current Gunners man and Norway teammate Martin Odegaard.

As well as Nusa, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also thought to be weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as he aims to bolster the young talent in the London Colney ranks.