Arsenal can manage to get a payment for Brooke Norton Cuffy. He was a right-back prospect of the Hale End academy. He went on to grow his stock substantially after his departure from the club. It now looks like the trio of big European clubs is competing for him. This gives the Gunners a potential “next Djed Spence” moment. But the question is: where will the money really come from?
Brooke Norton-Cuffy: Arsenal Roots
Before we move on, just a bit of information. Norton-Cuffy was on a permanent departure from Arsenal in August 2024. He signed for Genoa in Serie A. The terms of the initial deal were said to be a €2 million fixed fee with performance-based add-ons up to another €2 million. The most important thing is that Arsenal kept a sell-on clause. Thus a part of the future transfer profit will be theirs.
Circulating Rumours
The engagement is now getting more intense. According to news sources, Juventus have shortlisted Norton- Cuffy to solve their wing-back problem. La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Juve-oriented media) writes that Turin is eager to have him on-board and will do it at a high price. If they do, Arsenal will be the lucky ones through their sell-on clause.
The good times don’t end with Juventus alone. Inter Milan also have been mentioned as potential suitors. In a recent report, it was mentioned that Inter consider Norton-Cuffy a feasible long-term solution to replace Denzel Dumfries. Especially if Luis Henrique, who is currently at Inter, were to be loaned out or sold. And, in case Inter decides to go big on a bid, it’ll be a signal for Arsenal to cash in via the sell-on clause.
As per some outlets, even Napoli have been linked with the player. The exact figures are still a mystery. These talks indicate that Norton-Cuffy’s value at Genoa has skyrocketed. Arsenal are the ones who would most likely be taking out the benefits.
Why is this happening?
Norton-Cuffy is only 21 years old and has developed nicely at Genoa CFC. He was a starter for Genoa in the first part of the season.The youngster is offensively solid and can play as wing back. He was one of the players who contributed to the success of England U21.
This is clever commerce on the part of Arsenal. Norton-Cuffy was a player that came through their academy, but they are well-stocked at right-back already (with the likes of Ben White, Timber, etc.). By letting him go to Genoa (and putting in a sell-on), they are giving him the opportunity to develop in a different place. If he leaves again at a higher price, then it’s their turn to get the money.
Relation to Djed Spence
Some experts are comparing Djed Spence to a young full-back who leveraged a loan (or transfer) to propel his career. The comparison isn’t perfect, but the concept is quite alike. A young, embodied wing-back brought up by a top club, and then sold for a profit once his value increases.
However, everything is not clear as day. Interest from Juventus is merely based on what the press says, no official offer has been made. Likewise, Inter’s intention is a conjecture, and while a Napoli proposal was “turned down,” no one can say for sure what the actual number was. The assertion “three top European clubs are after Norton-Cuffy” is the result of some pieces of writing. There is still a bridge between the talks and the real proposals.
Author’s Insight
Arsenal’s decision to part with Norton-Cuffy sooner rather than later — and with a sell-on clause — may be the winning move. If any of these major clubs come knocking for real offers, especially those in the vicinity of €10 million or more, the Gunners would be able to reap a considerable gain. The deal is not already done. However, the foundation stones are certainly laid.
