Well, well, well. I recall our loan signings in 2021/22 getting a lot of stick, but now it seems the recruitment was solid, as Juventus are targeting one of our former loanees.
This is the window in which we signed Morgan Whittaker, once subject of a bid from Lazio and currently a Championship regular. It’s the same window in which we signed Liam Cullen, a regular for both Swansea City and Wales right now. It was only a few months after having Brennan Johnson, a European trophy winner, Morgan Rogers, the new darling of England, and Alex Palmer, recently a Premier League keeper.
That’s recruitment, right? Well, now another former loanee is the subject of interest from one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy, remarkably still only 21, is being monitored by Juventus ahead of the January window after impressing for his current club, Genoa. The full-back left Arsenal for Genoa a little over a year ago, with the Gunners inserting a “sizable sell-on fee,” meaning they could receive a windfall if a deal happens.
Norton-Cuffy has become a key part of Patrick Vieira’s side and was in the England U21 squad that won the Euros in the summer. Genoa have taken two points so far this season and remain winless, while fifth-placed Juve are assessing options at wing-back under Igor Tudor.
Speaking recently about his move to Italy, Norton-Cuffy said he wanted to “learn a new culture” and improve the defensive side of his game in a league renowned for its structure, while also showing what he can do going forward.
Norton-Cuffy came through the youth systems at Chelsea and Arsenal, signing his first professional contract with the Gunners in January 2021. He joined City in January 2022, making his debut in our late 2-1 win against Plymouth Argyle shortly after. A strong and dynamic right-back, he quickly impressed supporters with his energy down the flank and netted his first senior goal against Sheffield Wednesday in March 2022.
His spell at Lincoln was part of a carefully managed development path, which also saw him spend time with Rotherham United, Coventry City, and Millwall. Across those spells, he gained significant Championship experience, establishing himself as one of Arsenal’s brightest young defenders, leading to his move to Serie A.
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