Arsenal are about to miss out on one of their primary transfer targets.
The Gunners will no doubt have an extensive shortlist of players in each position, but one of their purported potential opportunistic signings is about to end up elsewhere in the Premier League.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Sverre Nypan in January, with the Norwegian wonderkid the centre of a transfer saga involving the Gunners, Manchester City and Manchester United.
To many people’s surprise, David Ornstein reported on Monday night that Nypan is now close to joining Aston Villa.
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Arsenal set to miss out on Sverre Nypan to Aston Villa
Arsenal are intent on adding some of Europe’s most talented young players to their ranks over the next few summers, acquiring them early before they demand an extortionate fee.
Nypan fell into this category, with the Rosenborg youngster making waves in Norway this season, but was still understood to have been available for a modest fee in the winter.
Compatriot Martin Odegaard tried to convince Nypan to join Arsenal in January, but the teenager ultimately opted to remain in his home country for another six months to continue his development.
Reports suggested that Arsenal may return for the player in the summer, but these suggestions have now been shot down after Ornstein’s latest transfer report.
The journalist revealed that Villa are confident of agreeing a fee and personal terms for Nypan, and that they’re attempting to finalise the deal.
Arsenal not signing Sverre Nypan is good news for Max Dowman
A green shoot from not adding Nypan to Mikel Arteta’s squad is that it may open more of a pathway to first-team minutes for Max Dowman.
Dowman has been excelling in Arsenal’s academy, and there are high hopes that the 15-year-old could be ready to make an impact at senior level within the next two years.
Arsenal need another creative option to Odegaard in their squad, hence the links to Nypan, but they may already have one at home in Dowman.
While Nypan would’ve been much more likely to make meaningful contributions to Arsenal next season, being three years Dowman’s senior, his presence might’ve disrupted the Hale End graduate’s development in the long term.
Now, however, there is a route to making it in the first team for the highly-thought of prospect, and Arsenal should always be looking to prioritise the development of their own over other options.
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