Fabrizio Romano claims that Aston Villa are set to beat Arsenal to sensational wonderkid deal

Aston Villa are unexpectedly “closing in” on a deal to sign Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Nypan, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising midfielders and had been a long-term target for Arsenal, but it is now claimed that Villa will instead beat the Gunners to the punch.

With personal terms “almost agreed”, according to Romano, the Villans may have stolen a march on Arsenal and now stand a strong chance of adding a highly talented player to their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Who is potential Aston Villa signing Sverre Nypan?

The 18-year-old Nypan made his debut for Norwegian side Rosenborg in 2022 at the age of just 15, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history – and has since made 63 senior appearances, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

Named by The Guardian as one of the best players in the world who was born in 2006, Nypan has represented his country right through the age groups, with five caps at Under-21 level, and is widely expected to go on to big things.

An attacking midfielder noted for his vision, passing range and ability to find space in and around the penalty area, Nypan held talks with Arsenal in January but now seems set to reject a move to the Emirates in favour of Villa Park.

Tottenham Hotspur and Spanish side Girona, who are a part of Manchester City’s multi-ownership group, were also believed to be interested, but he had been expected to sign with Arsenal until fresh reports indicated that he was bound for Aston Villa instead, with the club seemingly on the cusp of a real coup.

Aston Villa strengthening ahead of Champions League push

While Romano’s report acknowledges that Villa still have to negotiate a fee with his club Rosenborg, it is unlikely that they will attempt to stand in his way as he takes the next steps in his career, and with personal discussions seemingly close to a conclusion, it looks likely that Nypan will join this summer.

As a natural number ten, the teenager would most likely compete for minutes with Morgan Rogers next season – and perhaps Marco Asensio, if Villa can agree a permanent deal for the Spaniard with current club Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa will hope that they can once again battle for a Champions League place, and while it’s unlikely that Nypan would be a first-team regular from the off, his talent and knack for scoring goals might add some depth and firepower in a key area.

Unai Emery will be hoping that he once again finds his squad competing on multiple fronts next season, with a superb 4-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday significantly boosting the Villans’ chances of qualifying for Europe’s biggest competition for the second season running.

Before another vital game against Manchester City on Tuesday evening, Villa were just one point below Pep Guardiola’s side, who currently occupy the fifth and final qualifying spot for the current campaign.

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