Arsenal face transfer battle as race for 'next Bukayo Saka' intensifies: report

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2024 in London, England. Arsenal wear an all-white kit at home, for the first time in the club's history, in support of the 'No More Red' campaign against knife crime and youth violence. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal could have their work cut out to keep hold of one of the club's most highly rated young talents, Amario Cozier-Duberry.

The winger has been compared to Gunners star Bukayo Saka, who came through the club's youth ranks himself.

But Cozier-Duberry is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning his signature will potentially be up for grabs in the summer.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Amario Cozier-Duberry of Arsenal takes on Ezra Carrington of Man City during the PL2 match between Arsenal U21 and Manchester City U21 at London Colney on November 03, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Cozier-Duberry is a regular for Arsenal in Premier League 2, the Premier League's development competition (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to the Evening Standard, Newcastle are keen on Cozier-Duberry, along with European giants Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

The 18-year-old starred as Arsenal reached the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup, and Gunners U18 manager Jack Wilshere – another academy graduate – has been singing his praises.

In an interview with The Athletic last year, Wilshere said: "Amario is very exciting and Mikel [Arteta] likes him. He reminds me of Bukayo Saka – [he] plays in the same position as him. [He] needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he's definitely exciting.

"In some moments, he's unplayable. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a gameplan, but when you've got individuals like that, you've got a chance."

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Arsenal U18 Head Coach Jack Wilshere before the FA Youth Cup 3rd round match between Arsenal U18 and Crewe Alexandra U18 at Meadow Park on December 09, 2023 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Arsenal FC/Arsenal FC / Getty Images)

Jack Wilshere rates Cozier-Duberry as a great prospect (Image credit: Getty Images)

Given Arteta's admiration of Cozier-Duberry, it seems as though Arsenal will be doing all they can to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

The England U19 international has yet to make his senior debut for the Gunners, although he was involved in last summer's pre-season tour of the USA.

More Arsenal stories

Arsenal are reportedly in talks over a huge summer move for Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. The news comes after Gary Lineker suggested Osimhen would be the perfect fit.

Meanwhile, the Gunners continue to be linked with another Africa Cup of Nations star. And Mikel Arteta has reacted angrily to rumours touting him for the Barcelona manager's job.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...