Sverre Nypan, the 18-year-old midfielder from Rosenborg, is edging closer to a move to Aston Villa, despite coming close to joining Arsenal during the January window.
The Norwegian teenager visited London Colney earlier this year and was among the players scouted and pursued by Arsenal’s recruitment team, who viewed him as a long-term midfield investment. But while the Premier League leaders were prepared to meet Rosenborg’s demands, the final decision rested with the player, like it does when you consider a $10 sign up bonus instant withdraw.
Now, as reported by David Ornstein and confirmed by multiple Norwegian outlets including Adresseavisen, Villa have moved into pole position to sign Nypan.
Talks over personal terms and a transfer fee are still ongoing, but sources close to the situation suggest that an agreement could be reached within weeks. Nypan and his representatives reportedly see a clear pathway at Villa Park, which has been a key factor in his preference.
“That’s cool,” Pål André Helland, Viaplay’s Premier League analyst told Aftenpost. “That’s the team where there is the shortest path into the squad. Then again, it’s speculation on my part, but the route that’s been laid out must really appeal to Nypan. This is a team playing in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. You can never promise playing time, but you can have a clear plan.”
In January, Arsenal were confident they had done enough to position themselves as Nypan’s next step. A fee in the region of £10 million plus add-ons was believed to be acceptable, and there was genuine belief inside the club that a deal was close. But the player chose to stay in Norway at the time and continue his development in Trondheim.
That decision appears to have shifted. Aston Villa, currently seventh in the Premier League, have presented a structure that has impressed the player’s camp. “Nypan has the world at his feet, the way I see it. He is so young, yet mature in his playing style. He could very well be the most expensive Norwegian player ever to leave the league,” added Helland.
Villa manager Unai Emery is known for his record of developing young talent, and Lars Tjærnås, writing for Aftenposten, noted the appeal. “He will be joining a club where the competition in his positions is enormous. So the most important thing is that they have laid out a plan for Nypan where playing time is ensured,” he said.
Nypan had previously visited both Manchester City and Arsenal, and the latter seemed the more natural fit, given both system and mentorship potential. “I thought maybe Arsenal would be the most likely,” said Helland. “One reason is that Arsenal plays a pure 4-3-3 and has two positions that I think Sverre is best in. The other is that he would have a natural mentor in Martin Ødegaard, who is also the captain.”
While Arsenal have moved on to other midfield priorities, the prospect of losing a high-ceiling talent to a domestic rival remains a point of frustration internally. Nypan’s decision is not yet final, and the deal is not done, but barring late movement, Aston Villa look set to secure a player Arsenal once viewed as theirs.