Man City transfer news: Citizens 'close' to agreeing deal with Arsenal-linked midfielder

Manchester City are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of highly-rated Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan.

Under the guidance of new director of football Hugo Viana, the Citizens have taken an aggressive approach to the summer transfer window and have revamped Pep Guardiola’s squad with four new arrivals ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup later this month.

Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have all completed permanent moves to the Etihad Stadium and Man City are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.

According to Sky Sports News, Man City are in advanced negotiations with Rosenborg over a deal to sign 18-year-old midfielder Nypan, who has been tipped to leave his native Norway and make a high-profile move for some time.

Earlier this year, Nypan visited a number of top European clubs in the January transfer window during the Norwegian off-season, including Premier League trio Man City, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Man City move ahead of Arsenal, Aston Villa in Nypan race

While Arsenal were unable to persuade Nypan to move to the Emirates Stadium, it was reported in April that Aston Villa have moved into pole position to win the race for the teenager’s signature after making significant progress is negotiations.

The Athletic claims that Villa even sent representatives to Norway to present their vision to Nypan, but the midfielder and his family have now been convinced to make the move to the Etihad Stadium.

The report adds that Man City are close to reaching an agreement with Rosenborg to sign Nypan, and subject to personal terms being finalised, the deal will represent a record fee for a player from the Norwegian Eliteserien.

It is thought that City could pay at least £11m for Nypan, who would be expected to head out on a season-long loan to continue his development before being integrated into Guardiola’s squad at a later date.

Man City’s sister club Girona, who are also part of the City Football Group, expressed an interest in signing Nypan earlier this year and the Citizens may look to send the midfielder on loan to the La Liga side next season.

Who is Norwegian starlet Nypan?

Widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest prospects, Nypan has excelled in the senior team at Rosenborg since becoming the youngest player in their history in 2022 when he made his debut as a 15-year-old.

Nypan has since made a total of 70 first-team appearances for Rosenborg across all competitions, contributing with eight goals and 10 assists in 33 matches during the 2024 campaign.

The all-round midfielder played in each of Rosenborg’s opening nine top-flight matches of the 2025 season, with the 26-time champions currently sitting third in the table, while he is already a five-cap Norway Under-21 international.

Nypan, who is out of contract in December and has been likened to compatriot Martin Odegaard, could link up with fellow Norwegians Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb should a move to Man City be completed.

Written by
Oliver Thomas