Arsenal at risk of losing 'new Bukayo Saka' amid four-club battle

Imre Himmelbauer

• Updated: 30 Jan 2024 15:13 GMT
• 3 min read

Amario Cozier-Duberry is attracting interest from Ajax, Anderlecht, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, according to a report.

The Arsenal attacker is out of contract at the end of this season, meaning clubs could pick him up for free this summer. The Gunners, in turn, are already working on extending the contract of the 18-year-old Englishman, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers.

The London club have already had discussions about the new terms, but no agreement has yet been reached. However, discussions remain ongoing. Couzier-Duberry already regularly trains with the first team and also regularly attends training camps, but the winger has yet to make his debut for the senior squad.

The Daily Standard reports that the youngster is being courted by Ajax, Anderlecht, Dortmund and Newcastle, who are all very keen on snapping up one of the biggest prospects in the Hale End academy.

Impressive record at youth level

Couzier-Duberry has been one of the standouts for Arsenal's Under 21s this season, where he has scored seven times and provided two assists in 13 matches. In Premier League 2, the club are currently in fourth place, ten points behind leaders and arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Last season, the England U19 international made headlines by scoring twice in the away match against PSV's youngsters in the UEFA Youth League, which Arsenal won 1-3. This game likely put him on the map for Ajax.

Last year, Jack Wilshere, currently coach of Arsenal Under 18s, praised Couzier-Duberry to The Athletic. "He reminds me of Bukayo Saka. He plays in the same position as him, he still needs to improve his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he is certainly a great talent."

"At times, he cannot be defended. He makes something happen when you give him the ball. You can build a team and have a game plan, but when you have individuals like that, you always have a chance."