With the February 3 transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal are understood to be in talks over signing Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old player from Trondheim, Norway.

However, Arsenal are not the only club with their eye on Nypan - it is reported that Manchester City are also looking to sign the midfielder.

Discussions are said to have been opened between the Gunners and Nypan, and the player has been spotted in London this week, leading to frantic spceculation that he has visited the Gunner's training base and had talks over a move.

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Manager Mikel Arteta has admitted to looking to sign more attacking players after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury. “We lack goals, we lack people, we lack options in the frontline,” he said. But could Nypan be the one to fill that gap?

Sverre Nypan’s career history

Nypan signed for Rosenborg at the age of 15 in 2022, with his last contract extension being signed in September 2023 to expire at the end of next year. He mainly plays in central midfield, but can also play as centre-forward or attacking midfield.

In 2023, he scored his first goal for the Norwegian club aged 16 years and 145 days, becoming the youngest player in its history to score in a league match. That year, he was named on the Guardian’s Next Generation list of the 60 best young talents in world football.

He has four caps for Norway’s U21 national side, and has represented his country at every age level from U15 onwards. Last season, Nypan made 24 appearances - scoring nine goals and making five assists. In total, he has made 60 senior appearances and has logged 13 goals, 11 assists and 24 goal involvements as an attacking midfielder.

What has the 18-year-old said about a potential transfer?

Nypan hasn’t opened up about a possible move to Arsenal this transfer window, but has expressed interest in playing for a different British club in the past. Last summer during a friendly against Manchester United, Nypan said it would “obviously be a dream come true” to play for the Red Devils.

“I’m aware United has shown some interest,” he told the United Norway podcast. “But I’m quite adamant that I don’t want to open that door yet.” He added: “I want to focus on Rosenborg and not think too far ahead.”

However, speculation over talks with both Arsenal and Man City was heightened when Nypan was spotted in London on Sunday night. The 18-year-old was with his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and family in Erling Haaland’s box, watching Man City play Chelsea.

Why Arsenal need a talent like Nypan

Arteta discussed the need for more attacking players after losing Jesus to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and Saka to a long-term hamstring injury. He said: “If we can get the right player, that’s why we are actively looking at it. Any player, no. Someone that makes us better and has an impact on the team.

“It is clear that in the period that we lost them [Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury], ideally we need some help. We were short already and now we are even shorter. The team still copes with that. We have to do what is right for the club.”

football.london reported on Saturday that “when a talent like Nypan comes along, it is time to forget what priorities Arsenal may have in the market and go all-out for the talent”.

The draw of Arsenal’s captain being Martin Odegaard, a fellow Norwegian, could also give the club an advantage over Man City when it comes to signing Nypan.