With Arsenal set to offer talented right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy a new contract, it could have a notable impact on the club.
Indeed, earlier this week it was reported by David Ornstein on The Athletic, that the Gunners have offered a new long-term contract to the youngster and he is expected to accept it.
At the moment, Norton-Cuffy is impressing out on loan at Lincoln City as he adapts to senior football for the first time.
Taking the news into account, TIF has looked at how a new contract could affect Arsenal down the line.
Kroenke to save millions
It has been reported that Mikel Arteta will want a new right-back in the summer, presumably to serve as backup – and even challenge – Takehiro Tomiyasu in his role at the club. Indeed, Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence has been linked with a move, but with reports saying he could cost in the region of £15m, it would take a decent chunk of money to get him to the club.
And, while one good spell on loan and a new contract does not mean Norton-Cuffy will be able to come in straight away and do that role, it does mean the club can keep current deputy Cedric around for one more season or even two, while the youngster develops into a more reliable option.
There has been talk that Cedric could leave, but with his form improving in recent weeks, and with Norton-Cuffy offering an alternative option, perhaps Arsenal can stick with what they have for now instead of spending millions in the summer.
Will Brooke Norton-Cuffy play for the Arsenal senior team next season?
Yes
No
Arteta’s squad options
Of course, with his excellent recent form, and the fact that he’s being offered a new contract with other Premier League sides reported to be eyeing the 18-year-old, there is a chance Norton-Cuffy is put into the first-team next season.
If this is the case, he could be a useful option to have with regard to squad depth, because it looks as though Arsenal will be playing in Europe next season – be it the Europa League or even the Champions League – if they can maintain decent form in the final stages of this campaign.
The current side hasn’t had to worry about too many midweek fixtures this term due to the lack of European football, but if that is to change, Arteta will likely be planning on expanding his squad. And he may well intend to have Norton-Cuffy in and around the team to help ease the workload on Tomiyasu and Cedric – especially if either of them were to pick up an injury.
TIF verdict
In Norton-Cuffy, Arsenal certainly seem to have an exciting young prospect. It remains to be seen as to how close he is to playing senior football for the club but it will be great news if he does sign a new contract.
Providing he can commit his future to the Gunners, the team’s options at right-back could well be safeguarded for the next few seasons (and possibly even longer) due to the reasons outlined above.
In other news: ‘He looked like Mo Salah’ – James McNicholas excited about Arsenal talent