Aston Villa are optimistic they’ll win the race to sign Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, despite serious interest from Arsenal.
The 18-year-old attracted lots of attention within the January transfer window because it emerged that the Gunners were keen on him and regarded a move on the time.
Nypan was even in England and attended Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea in January, although the Premier League champions weren’t considered challengers for his signature.
The Rosenborg talent held talks with Arsenal and was believed to be considering offers from Villa and La Liga side Girona, but selected to stick with the Norwegian club.
His contract with Rosenborg runs until December 2026 – resulting from the scheduling of the Norwegian league – but interest in him has not died down.
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The Athletic report that Aston Villa have been working hard on a deal, and while it shouldn’t be confirmed, they’re optimistic that they may secure the teenager’s signature.
The report suggests Nypan is captivated with joining the Champions League quarter-finalists, although there may be much yet to attain as neither personal terms nor a fee have been agreed.
Arsenal could still challenge Villa for the talented central midfielder, having made plans for him in January.
The Gunners were regarded as able to put Nypan straight into the primary team mix, with the concept he can be mentored by compatriot Martin Odegaard.
Nypan is yet to make his senior debut for Norway, but has been capped as much as Under-21 level and Arsenal will hope that playing alongside Odegaard is a lure for the teen.
An anonymous Premier League scout who has been following the Norwegian told The Athletic of Nypan’s abilities: ‘For his age, he’s great.
‘And he’s also physically more developed than he was once we first checked out him a few years ago. I don’t know if he’s actually placed on weight however it looks prefer it when he carries the ball.
‘His dribbling generally is a bit loose. He doesn’t at all times protect the ball well and his body control shouldn’t be there yet, but that may tighten up in time.
‘He could be very attack-minded for a No 8 and crashes the box rather well. But his defensive game has taken a step up in 2024, so we’re unsure whether he’ll develop as a ten or an 8. Plenty of that depends upon where he moves to.’
Amid the winter interest in signing Nypan, Rosenborg boss Alfred Johansson said the teen’s concentration on his football was impressive.
‘He focuses on having fun with playing football day by day,’ Johansson said. ‘It is vitally impressive, and that’s the way it ought to be, but not everyone could have done it. It is robust of Sverre.’
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