Arsenal and Man City have fallen behind in their transfer pursuit of 18-year-old Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan. 

The Gunners were linked to signing Nypan earlier in the year, as he has been touted as a future Premier League star, with many comparing him to Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard due to his potential and his origins in Norway.

Man City have also been linked to the centre-midfielder and it is understood that both Arsenal and City have been scouting Nypan for some time. He is currently at Norwegian side Rosenborg.

Nypan has made 62 appearances for Rosenborg despite being just 19 years old, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists, proving himself to be one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.

However, Arsenal have faced a major blow in their pursuit of the midfielder as the Athletic are reporting that Aston Villa are in talks to sign him this summer. The report says that Villa are confident that Nypan is happy to move to Villa Park and that they hope to finalise a deal for the midfielder before the summer transfer window.

They revealed that Arsenal were among the clubs to hold talks with Nypan during the winter, when there were reports of a possible January transfer for the Gunners to sign the 19-year-old.

Arsenal expected to sign a midfielder this summer

It looks as though Arsenal are going to lose out on Nypan this summer which is a blow seeing as he has a sky high potential, but they are expected to invest in midfield this year as they look to build a title-winning side.

The Gunners are reportedly close to completing a £52m deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who was previously linked with Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Furthermore, with Thomas Partey expected not to sign a new contract ahead of the summer, Mikel Arteta will need to find a replacement for the Ghana international, and Jorginho; as the pair are due to become free agents in June.

Click here to see the players that are set to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window.