EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal in talks to sign youngster on fresh deal amid Chelsea and Man City interest
Steve Kay
- Updated: 22 Sept 2023 14:49 BST
- 3 min read
Confirmed
Arsenal are in talks to sign up Amario Cozier-Duberry on a new improved contract in a bid to snuff out interest from Chelsea and Manchester City, FootballTransfers has been told.
The club see the youngster as someone who can give Bukayo Saka competition in the future, which will save them millions without buying somebody new.
Cozier-Duberry has been a part of Arsenal’s academy since October 2019, having initially joined as a scholar following his time at grassroots side Chettle Court Rangers. But his glittering performances have made some of the Premier League’s elite sides aware.
READ: Odegaard to overtake De Bruyne and Silva as the Premier League's top midfielder
The 18-year-old is now in the final 12 months of his current deal at the Emirates and the club are hopeful of tying him down to fresh terms to fend off interest, sources have informed us.
Earlier this year, former Gunners player and their current Under-18s coach Jack Wilshere said that the teenager reminds him of Bukayo Saka, while he is ‘unplayable’ on his day.
READ: Arsenal star Raya with CLEAR message for dropped Ramsdale
“Amario is very exciting and Mikel likes him,” he told The Athletic. “He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he’s definitely exciting.
“In some moments he’s unplayable. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance.”
“His super-strengths are his ball-carrying and ability to take people on,” he said. “He’s an exciting footballer, but (has) loads to learn.”
Odegaard signs new Arsenal deal
It comes after the news that Martin Odegaard has signed a new five-year deal with Arsenal following his superb tenure in north London.
The club confirmed that their skipper had put pen to paper over fresh terms.
FootballTransfers first revealed that the club wished to tie the Norway international down to a new contract back in March.
