Arsenal are hopeful of keeping hold of Amario Cozier-Duberry for the long-term future despite rumours stating otherwise.
According to Ben Jacobs on Give Me Sport, Arsenal are confident of keeping Amario Cozier-Duberry beyond the summer window. The 18-year-old wonderkid’s contract expires in the summer, as Arsenal continue holding talks to extend his stay for the long term.
Arsenal hopeful of extending Amario Cozier-Duberry’s contract
Arsenal made some surprising decisions with few of their youth stars in the January window. The Hale End Academy has produced some notable talents like Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Emile Smith Rowe, although not many have come through into the first team picture of late.
Some notable talents are lurking in the background of the first team, like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Amario Cozier-Duberry. There are some other rising stars, with Charles Sagoe Jr. and Reuell Walters in the frame, while some, like Lino Sousa, joined Aston Villa and Bradley Ibrahim switched to Hertha Berlin in January.
Arsenal may have chosen to let go of the latter, but they are keen to hold on to Cozier-Duberry. The Gunners had started talks with the 18-year-old wonderkid a while ago, and now they are pushing towards a conclusion.
Arsenal have stepped up their efforts to renew Cozier-Duberry’s contract, and now, according to Ben Jacobs, they are hopeful of retaining him. The 18-year-old wonder kid’s current deal ends in the summer, which has attracted a few sides like Newcastle United, who will pounce on the opportunity should the Gunners fail to extend.
Arsenal could plan a pathway for Cozier-Duberry
Players like Cozier-Duberry have dazzled with the youth sides and are now hungry for a chance to play in the first team. For the 18-year-old wunderkind, the opportunities have been few and far between, considering the formidable options at Mikel Arteta’s disposal.
The chance to play elsewhere and with decent regularity could attract players the teenager, although Arsenal should present him with a pathway. There could be some spaces in the first team squad opening up in the coming years, at which point the Gunners would want some emerging stars like the 18-year-old ready to break into the team.
Hence, should Cozier-Duberry renew his deal at the Emirates, he could go out on loan and gain first-team experience elsewhere for a concerted period. As his boyhood club, playing for the Gunners could have a more significant appeal than joining rivals for youngsters like Cozier-Duberry, which could keep the situation with his new deal positive.