Earlier today, it was announced that Brooke Norton-Cuffy had signed a new contract at Arsenal.
The 18-year-old has been rewarded for his excellent progress in recent years, with his ability there for all to see last season as he shone on loan for Lincoln in the second half of last season.
Norton-Cuffy made 17 League One appearances for the Imps, and he was so impressive that Michael Appleton – who has since left Lincoln to manage Blackpool – feels the defender will “definitely” be starting for Arsenal one day.
The 46-year-old said: “I don’t want Arsenal ringing me up saying ‘what have you said that for?’ but I’ve been saying it behind the scenes, I think he will play for Arsenal’s first-team on a regular basis. It might not be for a couple of years but it’s definitely going to happen.”
Now, the right-back has sent a defiant message to Arsenal fans after putting pen to paper on a new deal.
What’s the story?
Well, Norton-Cuffy is a confident character, and that was there for all to see earlier today.
When asked if he had a message for the Arsenal fans, the teenager simply said: “Watch this season.”
Hopefully, Mikel Arteta can help him live up to his bold message.
Arsenal must use Brooke Norton-Cuffy
In our view, Norton-Cuffy deserves a chance in the first-team this season.
The Hale End graduate – who has been compared to Cafu – allegedly blew Arteta away with his performances for Lincoln last term, and with Europa League football on the schedule this season, the Gunners must use him.
In good news for Norton-Cuffy, Arteta isn’t actually blessed with many options at right-back.
Ben White – a central defender by trade – started on the right in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, as he was preferred to Cedric Soares in the absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Therefore, if Norton-Cuffy isn’t given some minutes in the Europa League, or the domestic cup competitions, he would have every right to feel disappointed after his efforts for Lincoln.
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