Young right-back Brooke Norton-Cuddy of Arsenal is about to leave the Gunners to sign with Serie A team Genoa. Arsenal, who have decided to find a permanent solution for the 20-year-old instead of maintaining his growth within their ranks, is making a major choice with this action. Medical tests scheduled for later this week already point to a near-completion agreement.
20-year-old Arsenal whizkid is set to leave for Genoa
The school of Arsenal has always sent forth outstanding players; Norton-Cuffy was no exception. Though promising, the emergence of other young players like Josh Nichols seems to have driven Norton-Cuffy down the ranks. During Arsenal’s most recent pre-season, Mikel Arteta decided to give youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly chances, therefore signalling a change in emphasis towards other rising talents. Given Norton-Cuffy’s uncertain future with the first squad, this news most certainly affected his choice of destination.
Genoa has agreed with Arsenal for Norton-Cuffy; the Serie A team is expected to pay €2 million upfront with another €2 million in possible add-ons. The youthful right-back seems excited for the task; Italy has a five-year contract waiting for him. Following their prior effort to guarantee Tottenham’s Djed Spence halted earlier in the summer, Genoa’s hunt of Norton-Cuffy follows. Norton-Cuffy’s profile fits very well what Genoa was looking for in Spence, hence this signing is a good substitute.
For Norton-Cuffy, this action marks a new beginning and a chance to establish himself as a regular Serie A starter. Conversely, Genoa might find their right-back quest at last finished with this purchase. Although it’s always sad to watch young players depart, Arsenal looks to have made the sensible choice here. While Genoa may provide Norton-Cuffy the stage to highlight his skills, Norton-Cuffy might not have found his way into Arteta’s plans. Arsenal’s emphasis still rests on those who complement its current and long-term plans.
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Arsenal may be looking at Kingsley Coman on a loan, as Bayern Munich apparently is willing to allow the winger go this summer. Mikel Arteta wants to improve his offensive choices, especially on the flanks; so, the seasoned Frenchman may be a great acquisition. Particularly since Reiss Nelson could leave before the transfer window ends, the Gunners need depth on the right flank. Though Bukayo Saka has been an outstanding player, a club hoping to compete on many fronts must have a dependable backup. Though Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard appear to cover the left flank, someone like Coman would help the right side.
Coman’s adaptability appeals to him. Though he usually plays on the left, he can also function rather well on the right, hence he is qualified to cover for Saka if required. His background, including many trophy victories with Bayern Munich, lends further attraction.
Still, there are worries. One major disadvantage may be Coman’s history of injuries. He suffered with three separate injuries last season, which put him out of commission for numerous games. Arsenal would have to ask themselves if they could depend on him to remain healthy during a rigorous campaign.
