Newcastle United are emerging as the frontrunners to sign RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, leaving AS Roma watching their worst fears materialise this summer.
According to Corriere della Sera in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have stolen the lead in the race for the Norwegian winger, dealing a significant blow to the Serie A club.
Roma had been pursuing Nusa for some time but always feared a hijack from St James’ Park, and those concerns have now become a reality for the Italian club.
A major factor working against Roma is the price Leipzig are demanding, with the German club holding firm on a €60m (£51m) asking price for their prized asset.
The Serie A club are in no position to match that valuation, which hands Newcastle a considerable advantage given the Premier League club will have no trouble meeting the fee.
Nusa arrived at RB Leipzig as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, and his reputation has only grown following an impressive World Cup campaign with Norway this summer.
The 2025-26 Bundesliga season further demonstrated his ability, with only one player recording more successful dribbles in the entire division throughout the campaign.
Despite registering nine goal involvements last season, there is a widespread belief that improvements in his end product will follow naturally as he continues to develop as a player.
His former coach Gaute Larsen once placed him above even Erling Haaland at youth level, saying: “When you look back to when they were both 14-15 years old, I feel Antonio was the greater talent.”
Leipzig’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schäfer, also spoke glowingly about the winger in 2024, stating: “Antonio fits perfectly with RB Leipzig’s DNA. He is young, has potential for development, is very ambitious and willing to learn. This makes him one of the best players of his generation in Europe, without a doubt.”
Former Club Brugge manager Ronny Deila offered his own assessment in 2024, noting: “He brings colour to a team and can be very good, but he’s barely 18 and needs time. Soon, you’ll be comparing him to Haaland, which shouldn’t be the case.”
Nusa would not be the first Bundesliga winger to arrive at St James’ Park this summer, with Bazoumana Toure already signed and sealed by the Magpies ahead of the new campaign.
Newcastle have also been busy in midfield this summer, and the arrival of Aladji Bamba has helped free the club to redirect their attention toward attacking reinforcements like Nusa.
Beyond the Nusa pursuit, Newcastle have reportedly launched a move to sign free agent James Tavernier, who remains without a club after leaving Rangers at the end of last season.
Tavernier is also attracting interest from MLS clubs and Aston Villa, but Newcastle are keen to bring in the experienced right-back following Kieran Trippier’s departure from the club.