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Report: Arsenal battling Aston Villa to sign Sivert Mannsverk

Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, Arsenal and Aston Villa are both keen on signing Sogndal midfielder Sivert Mannsverk.

It’s claimed that Lazio sporting director Igli Tare wants to sign Mannsverk, and the Italian side have contacted his agents on a number of occasions.

However, they face a major battle to sign him, with Ajax, Bologna, Brighton, Aston Villa and Arsenal all pursuing his signature.

Mannsverk, 18, has impressed in the second tier of Norwegian football, bagging five goals and five assists in 43 appearances.

Primarily a central midfielder who can also play a deeper role, Mannsverk looks to have a huge future ahead of him, which is why Premier League clubs are keen.

Arsenal have looked to the Scandinavian market in recent times, landing winger George Lewis from Norwegian side Fram Larvik before adding striker Nicolaj Moller from Swedish outfit Malmo.

PORTADOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND - NOVEMBER 15: Julian Albrecht of Germany and Sivert Mannsverk of Norway during the Germany v Norway u19 international friendly match on November 15, 2019 in Portadown, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images for DFB)
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images for DFB

Moving for Mannsverk would continue that strategy, and Arsenal may hope to land the next Norwegian star, like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard or Sander Berge.

At just 18, Mannsverk won’t break the bank, but with Villa also interested, it won’t be an easy battle for the Gunners to win.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Dean Smith, Manager of Aston Villa shakes hands with Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on November 08, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images