Arsenal have reportedly been joined in the race by Manchester City and Aston Villa for Rosenborg youngster Sverre Nypan.
It was reported earlier in the month that the Gunners were advancing in talks over a deal for the 18-year-old to secure a high-profile switch to the Emirates.
Nypan enjoyed a productive campaign in the Norwegian Eliteserien during 2024, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists across 28 fixtures.
Owing to his creativity in an advanced-midfield role, the playmaker has been likened to current Arsenal star and compatriot Martin Odegaard.
Although Nypan is yet to link up with Odegaard and Erling Haaland on the senior international stage, the midfielder has been capped on four occasions for Norway Under-21s.
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Arsenal, Man City to battle Aston Villa for Nypan?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, a transfer saga could be brewing as Nypan looks set to make his next step at the beginning of his promising career.
The report claims that Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa have all presented their projects to the highly-rated youngster.
It is understood that a move to the Citizens would first involve a loan spell at sister club Girona in La Liga, where Nypan could pit his wits against the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
With a trio of known suitors in the race, the midfielder is said to be taking his time as he decides his next destination after leaving Lerkendal Stadion.
It is believed that Nypan will visit a host of clubs in the near future in order to help his decision-making process ahead of the summer window.
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Are Norway entering a golden generation?
In the form of Haaland and Odegaard, Norway possess two of the best attacking stars in the Premier League, although that has not translated to success in recent times.
The Scandinavians failed to qualify for both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, meaning that some of Europe's best players missed out on the major tournaments.
However, with the emergence of Nypan in recent times, there is serious hope that Norway can enjoy a golden period on the international stage, with 2026 World Cup qualifying commencing in March.