Report: Arsenal have really high hopes for ‘outstanding’ 18-year-old, he could be promoted soon

By Milo Clay

The Evening Standard reports that Arsenal have really high hopes for talented youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy and he could be promoted if Cedric Soares completes a move away from the club. 

Norton-Cuffy is currently on loan at Rotherham and has been putting in some impressive displays from right-back. 

The 18-year-old won consecutive man of the match awards back in October and is certainly benefitting from playing regularly in England’s second tier. 

Arteta has deployed Ben White as a right-back this season and the England international has taken to his new role with ease. Cedric has only made two appearances in the Premier League for the Gunners this season and he could now leave on loan in January. 

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claimed yesterday that the 31-year-old is close to completing a switch to newly-promoted Fulham in January. But it seems that Arteta is currently weighing up his options in the position before giving the deal the go ahead. 

Arsenal have high hopes for Norton-Cuffy 

Fulham are the front-runners to sign Cedric on loan in January, despite interest from Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen, according to The Evening Standard. 

The Cottagers have already spoken with the Portuguese defender’s agent and a possible deal is likely to include an obligation to buy. 

If Cedric is given the green light to move to west London, it will leave Arteta with White and Takehiro Tomiyasu as options for the role. But the outlet notes that the club have really high hopes for Norton-Cuffy. 

The ‘outstanding‘ right-back has provided two assists in 18 appearances for Rotherham and has represented England’s U19 side eight times. 

If Cedric’s move to Fulham goes through and it includes an obligation for Marco Silva’s side to buy the 31-year-old, Norton-Cuffy could become part of the first-team squad when he returns to north London. 

Of course, White has seemingly nailed down his place at right-back, while Tomiyasu has impressed in both full-back positions. But Norton-Cuffy could become one of Arteta’s back-up options if Cedric completes a switch to Fulham.