Promising right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy has signed a new long-term contract with the club, believed to be a five-year deal.
Norton-Cuffy was entering the final 12 months of his remaining contract with the club following a promising loan spell at Lincoln City. In fact, Norton-Cuffy’s performances were so highly-rated, that many Premier League and European sides registered their interest in signing the player.
Last season was a promising start to the young fullback’s Arsenal career. Though not spent at the club, Norton-Cuffy suitably impressed many with his electric performances for Michael Appleton’s side, scoring his first senior goal against Sheffield Wednesday.
The talented youngster was also part of the England U19 squad that won the European Championship over the summer, even making a small cameo in the final against Israel.
Norton-Cuffy was originally on the books at Chelsea until the age of 12, until he was released by the club and snapped up by Arsenal.
This is exceptionally good news for Arsenal as Norton-Cuffy joins a long list of talented youth players who have recently signed new deals with the club, including Folarian Balogun and Emile Smith Rowe, with terms also being discussed for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the senior side.
It remains to be seen if Norton-Cuffy will play a part in the Arsenal senior side this season.
There is an argument to be made for Norton-Cuffy to appear in the early stages of the UEFA Europa League or the League Cup, however, Arsenal may still feel that he could benefit from further time out on loan, with Lincoln reportedly very keen to bring the youngster back for a further season.
If Norton-Cuffy were to go out on loan, he will join the likes of Marcelo Flores, who joined Spanish side Real Oviedo, Charlie Patino at Blackpool, Omar Rekik, who is on loan at Sparta Rotterdam, Mika Biereth at RKC Waalwijk and Folarian Balogun, who is currently on loan at Reims in Ligue 1.