Arsenal may now have another Omari Hutchinson situation on their hands

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Arsenal’s academy has produced plenty of talent in recent years, but not all of them have been able to break through at the club.

Mikel Arteta has had the luxury of calling on the likes of Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman from the youth ranks, who have all made quite an impact.

Arsenal’s rise back to the top has meant that only the very best youngsters have been able to make such an instant impact.

However, progress isn’t linear, and some Hale End academy stars have had to play elsewhere before getting their big break – Sunderland’s Dan Ballard is a great example of this.

Another player thrown into the category of missed opportunity for the Gunners is Omari Hutchinson, who left on a free transfer to join Chelsea, before making a move for over £20 million.

Now, Arsenal could be facing a similar problem with another star who left the academy.

Amario Cozier-Duberry impresses after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer

Omari Hutchinson’s transfer exit caused some pain for Arsenal, who spent plenty of time developing the star, but ultimately received nothing for him.

A similar situation may well have developed over the past year or so, this time with Amario Cozier-Duberry.

The 20-year-old left Arsenal in 2024, despite attempts to keep him at the club, joining Premier League rivals Brighton on a free transfer.

The forward was given a chance out on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season, though a mixture of injuries and changes at the club meant opportunities were limited.

A loan switch to Bolton Wanderers in League One has brought about renewed success, with the former Hale End academy star showing exactly how good he is.

Cozier-Duberry’s goals so far have been like a personal goal of the season competition, showing just how much talent he really has.

It’s no surprise that there has been talk of a potential loan recall from Brighton, with the possibility of a move elsewhere.

If the England under-20 international keeps up that form, it won’t be long until he’s either starring in the Premier League or making a move for a huge sum, something Arsenal would miss out on.

Amario Cozier-Duberry’s record at Bolton so far

Cozier-Duberry’s loan move to Bolton has seen him burst into life on the senior stage, after plenty of years of impressing on the youth scene.

While the 20-year-old has had six fewer appearances for his current loan side than he managed last season on loan at Blackburn, he already has double the minutes.

With that has come plenty of goals and assists, as he helps push Bolton higher up the League One table.

It’s no surprise that he has been nominated for October’s Player of the Month for the division.

Now, as he looks to push on with his career, he could be a star that got away for Arsenal.