Hale End starlet sends message as Arsenal exit confirmed, he’s ready for a ‘new chapter’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have let a number of graduates from the Hale End Academy leave this summer as they search for fresh starts.

The club made the difficult decision to part ways with popular midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham, whilst Eddie Nketiah looks set to follow him out of Arsenal.

Other young talents such as Reuell Walters and Chido Obi-Martin left after failing to agree new contracts, whilst Charlie Patino could now follow as he is not in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Arsenal have managed to earn a transfer fee for one of their other talents who knew their time at the Emirates was up, as defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy is now heading to Serie A side Genoa.

–READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases

Brooke Norton-Cuffy leaves Arsenal to join Genoa

Arsenal have now confirmed that Norton-Cuffy will join Genoa for a fee of around £3.5m with a sell-on clause, and he will wear the number 15 shirt at his new club.

The 20-year-old came through the Hale End Academy and impressed on several loan spells in the EFL, but was omitted from Arsenal’s pre-season squads and subsequently looked for a move.

He has now sent a message to the Arsenal fans following his departure.

“It’s time to say goodbye to Arsenal. Thank you for everything,” he posted on X.

“I’ve made so many good memories at this club and learnt a lot. Thanks to team-mates, coaches, fans and everyone involved in my journey. Now it’s time for a new chapter.”

Brooke Norton-Cuffy needed to leave Arsenal

Norton-Cuffy was highly regarded in the Academy and did enjoy some impressive loan spells, including last season at Millwall.

However, Arsenal have too much depth in his position for him to get a chance, and at his age right now he needs to be playing regularly.

Arsenal already have Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu as right-back options, and despite his talent, Norton-Cuffy was unlikely to earn a single start if he remained next season, and after several loan spells, it is now time for him to settle elsewhere in a permanent move.

The Englishman could thrive at Genoa if given regular minutes, and given his sell-on clause, Arsenal will hope that he can perform well and reach his potential.