Mikel Arteta Responds To Antonio Nusa Transfer Question At Ballon d'Or

RB Leipzig star Antonio Nusa has once again found himself at the centre of Arsenal transfer speculation after Mikel Arteta was questioned directly about the Norwegian winger during Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London.

The Arsenal manager was approached by a Norwegian journalist who asked whether he had watched Nusa play before pressing him on the possibility of bringing the 21-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta acknowledged the Leipzig winger's qualities but stopped short of revealing whether Arsenal are actively pursuing a transfer.

The exchange comes just weeks after reports emerged suggesting the Premier League champions were considering a move for Nusa in January.

Arteta Asked Directly About Nusa

During the Ballon d'Or ceremony, a journalist approached Arteta with a straightforward question about the RB Leipzig winger.

Asked whether he had seen Nusa play, the Arsenal manager simply replied:

The journalist then followed up by asking whether he would like to sign the Norwegian international.

Arteta described Nusa as a good player but avoided discussing any potential transfer, explaining that Arsenal monitors numerous footballers while also complimenting the quality of Norway's national team.

Although the exchange was brief, its timing makes it particularly interesting given the growing speculation surrounding Nusa's future.

Importantly, Arteta neither confirmed negotiations nor suggested that a transfer was imminent.

Arsenal Have Been Monitoring Nusa For Months

Arsenal's interest in Nusa is not a new development.

Earlier in October, multiple reports identified the Roten Bullen winger as one of the Premier League club's attacking targets ahead of the January transfer window.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been linked with the Norwegian, although Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs best positioned to pursue his signature.

Nusa's impressive season under Martín Demichelis has highlighted his growing importance to Leipzig. His improving end product was evident against Elversberg, where he provided two assists in Leipzig's 4-0 victory and earned Man of the Match honours.

For Arteta, Nusa's direct dribbling, creativity, and ability to stretch compact defences could make him a valuable addition to Arsenal's attacking system.

Leipzig Have No Reason To Sell Cheaply

Despite the growing speculation, Leipzig remain in a strong negotiating position.

Nusa is under contract until June 2029, and reports suggest the Bundesliga club value him at approximately £60 million.

That valuation reflects both his current importance and his considerable potential.

Die Roten Bullen are also reportedly reluctant to entertain a January departure while they remain involved in the Champions League, meaning interested clubs could face a difficult negotiation.

For Demichelis, keeping Nusa would be particularly important as the German side attempts to establish greater consistency following their mixed start to the season.

With his ability to create chances almost single-handedly, the Norwegian offers a dimension that would be difficult to replace midway through the campaign.

Arteta's comments at the Ballon d'Or ceremony do not provide confirmation of Arsenal's intentions, but they have brought the existing transfer rumours back into focus.

For now, Nusa remains a central figure in Leipzig's plans, and the club has little reason to rush into a sale.