6 days Ago By Phil Haigh
Sverre Nypan is expected to make a big move this summer (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)Aston Villa are optimistic they can win the race to sign Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, despite serious interest from Arsenal.The 18-year-old attracted a lot of attention in the January transfer window as it emerged that the Gunners were keen on him and considered a move at the time.Nypan was even in England and attended Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea in January, although the Premier League champions were not 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 chose to stay with the Norwegian club.His contract with Rosenborg runs until December 2026 – due to the scheduling of the Norwegian league – but interest in him has not died down.Get personalised updates on Arsenal everydayWake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.The Athletic report that Aston Villa have been working hard on a deal, and while it is not confirmed, they are optimistic that they will secure the teenager’s signature.The report suggests Nypan is enthusiastic about joining the Champions League quarter-finalists, although there is much yet to achieve as neither personal terms nor a fee have been agreed.
Nypan has already made over 60 appearances for Rosenborg (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)Arsenal could still challenge Villa for the talented central midfielder, having made plans for him in January.The Gunners were thought to be ready to put Nypan straight into the first team mix, with the idea that he would be mentored by compatriot Martin Odegaard.Nypan is yet to make his senior debut for Norway, but has been capped up to Under-21 level and Arsenal will hope that playing alongside Odegaard is a lure for the youngster.
Nypan faced Manchester United in friendly action (Picture: Getty Images)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 when we first looked at him a couple of years ago. I don’t know if he’s actually put on weight but it looks like it when he carries the ball.
‘His dribbling can be a bit loose. He doesn’t always protect the ball well and his body control is not there yet, but that will tighten up in time.‘He is very attack-minded for a No 8 and crashes the box really well.
But his defensive game has taken a step up in 2024, so we’re unsure whether he’ll develop as a 10 or an 8. A lot of that depends on where he moves to.’Nypan scored eight league goals last season (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)Amid the winter interest in signing Nypan, Rosenborg boss Alfred Johansson said the youngster’s concentration on his football was impressive.
‘He focuses on enjoying playing football every day,’ Johansson said. ‘It is very impressive, and that is how it should be, but not everyone could have done it. It is strong of Sverre.
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