Hale End sensation likened to Saka could now be in Arsenal squad v Sevilla

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Arsenal academy sensation Amario Cozier-Duberry has now been tipped for some level of involvement against Sevilla this evening. 

According to Arsenal youth reporter Jeorge Bird, Amario Cozier-Duberry has been left out of the Arsenal under-19 squad set to face off against Sevilla under-19s this evening, suggesting he may be set for a call up to the senior squad instead.

Charles Sagoe Jr, who made his first team debut against Brentford in the EFL Cup earlier this season, has also been excluded from the youth team squad, so is another who may feature for Mikel Arteta’s side at some stage tonight. 

Cozier-Duberry has certainly been pushing to take the next step in his career. The 18-year-old winger has long been impressing as part of the Gunners’ Hale End academy system.

As quoted by The Athletic, Arsenal under-18s boss Jack Wilshere has previously opened up about how well-regarded Cozier-Duberry is within the north London club. The former midfielder said, “Amario is very exciting and Mikel [Arteta] likes him. 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.”

Amario Cozier-Duberry set for exciting Arsenal experience

Of course, Cozier-Duberry still has a long way to go before he can be compared to Bukayo Saka in a direct sense. However, seeing the likes of Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson all being involved with the first team squad will give Cozier-Duberry and his academy teammates a boost as it proves that a pathway of progression exists at the club. 

The teenage winger, if he does make Arteta’s squad this evening, will not be amongst the starting XI. However, if the Gunners can get themselves a healthy lead in the match, Arteta may take that opportunity to give Cozier-Duberry his debut.

However, even if he doesn’t get on the pitch, the experience of being part of a matchday squad for a Champions League clash would still be a brilliant step for the England under-19 international.