Arsenal’s latest transfer deal has exposed a familiar failing at the club.
A number of talented Hale End academy prospects have left Arsenal this summer.
Having rejected a new contract offer from the Gunners, Reuell Walters left the club as a free agent. The defender was highly thought of at the Emirates Stadium, but was never afforded a first team debut by Mikel Arteta and as such has departed to pursue game time elsewhere.
On top of that, Manchester United were able to prise Chido Martin-Obi away from Arsenal. The 16-year-old striker is a potential star of the future, and he was in prolific form at academy level last season.
However, Arsenal refused Obi-Martin’s financial demands, opening the door for the Red Devils to swoop in and secure his signature for themselves.
Now, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, Italian side Genoa have agreed a deal to sign Brooke Norton-Cuffy this summer. Arsenal have given his departure the “green light.”
Romano has since revealed that Genoa will pay just £1.7 million to sign the 20-year-old defender.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s most expensive transfer sales of all time
Brooke Norton-Cuffy deal highlights familiar Arsenal failing
Whilst this Norton-Cuffy deal differs from the situations that saw both Walters and Obi-Martin leave the club, as the Gunners are happy to see the full-back go, there are still questions to be asked when it comes to how sporting director Edu has handled the matter.
Norton-Cuffy has enjoyed a number of loan spells in recent seasons, featuring regularly for Lincoln City, Coventry City, Rotherham United, and Milwall. He has racked up over 80 appearances at Championship level, and has huge potential to still improve further.
The fact that Norton-Cuffy is now being allowed to leave for such a measly fee is an indictment of Edu’s ability to extract maximum value from outgoing players. Arsenal must become a more efficient selling club if they are to ever generate the funds they need to improve Arteta’s squad.
This is a failing that has afflicted Arsenal before, and causes frustration amongst the fanbase.
Arsenal fans react to Brooke Norton-Cuffy transfer news
Supporters on X have criticised this deal.
One fan said: “Damn! We need to work on our selling game.”
Another added: “We’re so bad at selling it’s crazy.”
Another added: “2 very successful seasons in the Championship and selling for only 2M. This is bad business, hope there is substantial sell on clause added.”
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