We’ve seen many a young talent come and go at Arsenal over the years but it’s always good to see someone make a success of themselves further down the line.
The Hale End Academy has produced some absolute gems in recent years and it goes without saying that Arsenal are the envy of many clubs when it comes to player development.
In recent times, we’ve seen success stories like Bukayo Saka, while in the current period, the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman look like the big stars of tomorrow.
Be honest. What was your immediate reaction after Manchester United ended Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run?
Nevertheless, some don’t quite make a success of things at Arsenal and need to find their way elsewhere.
And one of these players, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, could now be set for a Premier League return.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy wanted by Everton after Arsenal gave up on him
In fairness to Brooke Norton-Cuffy, he wasn’t given too many chances and ultimately, when he did get those chances, he was up against top talent in the squad.
Since leaving Arsenal for £3.5m though, Norton-Cuffy has gone on to prove his worth over in Italy with Genoa.
After making 14 appearances last season, Norton-Cuffy has once again been a regular this term, appearing in all but one of Genoa’s league fixtures and only not completing the 90 minutes once in those appearances.
Now, according to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Norton-Cuffy is being looked at by Everton.
Luckily for Arsenal, they do have a sell-on clause with the winger, although it is unknown at this time quite how much that would mean to the club.
Still, this would be a full circle moment for Norton-Cuffy and ultimately, be another success story for Arsenal’s brilliant academy.
Arsenal should be proud of their academy even if they don’t serve the first-team
We saw this with Manchester United for years, with players not quite making it at Old Trafford but going on to have successful careers at different levels of the game.
We are now seeing it with Arsenal. Bigger names like Joe Willock, Emile Smith Rowe and Folarin Balogun are all making successes of themselves, while players like Norton-Cuffy and others are also making their way in the game.
What changes would you make to our predicted Arsenal XI vs Portsmouth?
It is a proud record for Arsenal and one they should hold in high regard.
We aren’t always going to get a player of Ethan Nwaneri’s level or Bukayo Saka’s longevity but in the main, Hale End is doing its job.
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