Highly-rated Arsenal academy prospect Amario Cozier-Duberry is set to leave the club this summer.
It is reported the 19-year-old has told the Gunners he will be leaving as a free agent rather than signing a new contract.
The news will come as a blow to many inside the club given his reputation as one of the stars of their academy.
Cozier-Duberry was named on Mikel Arteta’s bench a number of times during the 2023/24 season and even included on the club’s retained list for the new campaign with hopes he would re-sign.
However, the Evening Standard reports he has turned down an extension with Arsenal and is now considering where his career will take him next.
It is suggested the teen could follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and other young English players who have left England for more game time abroad, with reports he has offers on the table from clubs in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany.
Newcastle have also been linked, but English sides have to wait until July 1 to open negotiations.
The young forward scored 13 goals and provided five assists for Arsenal Under-21s last season. In total he made 48 appearances with a record of 18 goals and ten assists at that level.
Cozier-Duberry was also part of a video that went viral amongst Gunners fans online last season, showing a goal from the club’s U21s side that was a carbon copy of one scored by Arteta’s first-team stars.
The attacking ace wears the No.7 shirt [as seen in the video below] and plays on the right wing, like Bukayo Saka, and Gooners even noted how his movement on the ball and the way he shoots is just like the man himself.
Former Arsenal star and current U18s coach Jack Wilshere also made the same comparison, in comments that will sting fans now that he has decided to leave.
“Amario is very exciting and Mikel [Arteta] likes him,” Wilshere told The Athletic last year.
“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. You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance.”
Arsenal supporters have had their say on the news on social media, with one admitting the starlet’s exit is a warning to the club over the opportunities they give their talented young players.
“Losing Amario Cozier-Duberry hurts,” Gunners fan and host of Away From Hale End podcast Will Balsam wrote on X.
“Seemingly no reason why he couldn’t get an opportunity with the first team in the last 18 months. We have to learn from this.”
Another fan posted: “Another young talent is leaving Arsenal. I can’t believe our Saka Regen is leaving.”
A third said: “Arsenal really dropped the ball on this one, it’s really sad. Wish him all the best.”
News Summary:
- Arsenal fans gutted as academy ace branded the ‘next Bukayo Saka’ to leave the club and could follow Jude Bellingham route
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.