Arsenal now in ‘talks’ with ‘next Bukayo Saka’ as Newcastle United plot free transfer

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Arsenal have a plethora of young talent coming through the academy, and Amario Cozier-Duberry is one of the brightest prospects of them all.

However, Arsenal are now in danger of losing the talented winger. The 18-year-old has six months left on his contract, and there are several interested parties.

Despite featuring on the bench on several occasions, the right-winger is yet to make his senior debut, despite Charles Sagoe Jr making a surprise start in the Carabao Cup in the same position earlier this season.

Premier League rivals Newcastle United are now said to be among the teams keen on a move, and Arsenal now know they need to act quickly to avoid losing one of their best young talents for free.

Newcastle among clubs keen on Amario Cozier-Duberry

A report from The Standard has now revealed that Newcastle, Anderlecht, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund are all interested in Cozier-Duberry.

These clubs are all aware that his contract expires in six months, and are looking to take advantage of the situation by landing him on a free transfer.

There is loan interest from clubs in lower leagues in England, but he is expected to stay at the club in this winter window.

Arsenal are in talks with the player and his representatives to try and extend his contract, but this interest from other clubs could add some extra difficulty to these negotiations.

Arsenal cannot lose Amario Cozier-Duberry

Cozier-Duberry is highly regarded within the club, and Jack Wilshere has even compared him to Bukayo Saka, with the pair two of Hale End’s biggest success stories.

“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,” Wilshere stated last year.

Arsenal did successfully tie down Ethan Nwaneri to a new contract in the summer, and keeping Hale End’s biggest talents is important, particularly after losing Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea two years ago.

Mikel Arteta has limited options as cover for Saka on the right wing, and whilst it may be somewhat early for Cozier-Duberry to step into the role, if he is eventually given opportunities, he could be an internal solution to a key problem which would also save Arsenal millions in the transfer market.

Losing him to Newcastle would send a particularly poor message. Some fans are already unhappy with the lack of opportunities given to Cozier-Duberry, Nwaneri and Reuell Walters earlier this season, and a Premier League rival snapping up the club’s key academy stars may perhaps indicate that they do not see a clear path to the first-team at the Emirates.