Arsenal are now in new contract talks with one of their Hale End academy starlets who is also attracting interest from Newcastle United.
There are several talented youngsters currently on the books at Arsenal. However, the North London club face a tough task in keeping hold of some of them.
There are already concerns that teenage striker sensation Chido Obi-Martin could be prised away from Arsenal. Now Mikel Arteta will also be sweating over the future of Amario Cozier-Duberry.
The 18-year-old attacker has been in fine form at academy level this second. Cozier-Duberry has even been compared to Bukayo Saka by Arsenal under-18s boss Jack Wilshere.
The winger tends to play on the right flank, but is naturally left-footed, just like Saka. He is adept at cutting inside onto his stronger foot before arcing a cross into the box or whipping in a shot on goal.
Fabrizio Romano provides update on Amario Cozier-Duberry future at Arsenal
The England under-19 international has huge potential, and could have a big future ahead of him. However, his current contract at the Emirates Stadium is set to expire at the end of this season, leading to speculation that he could be lured away from North London by a rival club.
Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation. Reporting on X, he stated that Arsenal are “still in talks” with Cozier-Duberry, and that negotiations have not yet “collapsed”, despite an approach from Newcastle United for the youngster’s services.
Arsenal must do all they can to convince “the next Bukayo Saka” to pen new terms with the club. That may well mean ensuring that a pathway into Arteta’s first-team plans exists for him.
Arsenal must maintain history of giving youth a chance
Given that the Gunners are now genuine Premier League title contenders, competing for the top prizes in the game, it is harder than ever for youth players to break into the picture at senior level. However, Arteta needs to do all he can to keep that door open and afford chances to Hale End prospects who deserve an opportunity to impress for the first-team.
Ethan Nwaneri is another youngster who will be hoping for more first-team involvement next season. Unlike Cozier-Duberry, Nwaneri has already made his senior debut for the club.
Arsenal have a proud history of making stars out of homegrown youth team talents. It would be a bad look for the club if Cozier-Duberry were to be tempted away.