Arsenal’s promising young winger, Amario Cozier-Duberry, has decided to part ways with the club when his contract concludes on July 1, sparking significant interest from multiple teams domestically and across Europe.
The 19-year-old has drawn comparisons to Bukayo Saka, another Arsenal prodigy known for his adeptness in cutting in from the right flank and making incisive plays with his favoured left foot.
Despite Arsenal’s persistent efforts to secure Cozier-Duberry with a new contract, the teenager has decided that his career trajectory would benefit more from consistent first-team football. This prospect seems more attainable elsewhere. The Evening Standard reports that clubs from Holland, Germany, Belgium, and France have already expressed interest. In contrast, English clubs will be able to engage in talks starting next month.
This decision greatly affected Arsenal, which had high expectations for the England Under-19 international. Jack Wilshere, Arsenal’s Under-18 coach, had previously highlighted Cozier-Duberry’s potential, noting his similarities to Saka and his need for refinement in decision-making. This trait could be honed with regular first-team play.
“Amario is very exciting, and Mikel [Arteta] likes him,” Wilshere told The Athletic last year. “He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, who plays in the same position as him. He needs to improve his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he’s exciting. In some moments, he’s unplayable. You give him the ball, and he can make things happen.”
The impending departure of Cozier-Duberry signifies a broader trend within Arsenal’s youth setup under Mikel Arteta, where several homegrown talents have struggled to secure a foothold in the first team. Reiss Nelson is another player likely to exit, with Nottingham Forest and West Ham showing interest in the winger. Similarly, Eddie Nketiah seems poised for a move, having seen minimal action during the latter part of last season.
Moreover, Emile Smith Rowe’s future at the club remains in doubt. Despite overcoming a series of injuries that hampered his progress, Smith Rowe has yet to cement a place in Arsenal’s first-choice midfield, casting further uncertainty over his role in Arteta’s plans.
Cozier-Duberry’s choice to seek opportunities elsewhere underscores a critical juncture for Arsenal’s youth development program. As talented young players look for more consistent playing time to advance their careers, the club faces the challenge of balancing immediate team needs with developing its promising prospects.
