Arsenal have confirmed that highly-rated right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy has signed a new contract at the club.
The 18-year-old has plied his trade for the North London club since first joining their youth academy at the age of 10, having previously been on the books at Chelsea.
Norton-Cuffy is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Mikel Arteta's academy ranks and made the step-up to senior football with Lincoln City in the second half of last season.
During his time in the third tier, the teenager registered one goal and one assist from 17 League One appearances and previously made seven appearances in the Premier League 2 for the Under-21s.
Numerous clubs are believed to have been keeping an eye on Norton-Cuffy's development, and the Gunners have sought to fend off that interest by rewarding the right-back with a new deal.
Speaking to arsenal.com after penning his fresh terms, Norton-Cuffy said: "I'm really over the moon to sign for such a great club. I've been dreaming of this day for a long time and I worked hard for this moment and I've got it, so I'm very proud."
In a separate post on social media, Norton-Cuffy further expressed his joy at penning fresh terms, adding: "Delighted to continue my journey with @arsenal. Thanks to all the family and staff who have helped me along the way. Hard work continues👊🏾."
Delighted to continue my journey with @arsenal . Thanks to all the family and staff who have helped me along the way. Hard work continues👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/bGjouPygAQ
— Brooke Norton-Cuffy (@brookenc2) August 12, 2022
Norton-Cuffy is still waiting to make his senior debut for Arsenal and could now be loaned out to a Championship side for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
Michael Appleton - now of Blackpool - oversaw Norton-Cuffy's development at Lincoln last term and firmly believes that the England Under-19 international will play for the senior Arsenal team one day.
"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," Appleton told Lincolnshire Live.
"It might not be for a couple of years but it's definitely going to happen. He'll hopefully continue his progression over the next few games. There's one or two things that I think I can help him with, but by the time he goes back to Arsenal, he'll be much better."
Appleton will also be tasked with taking care of another Arsenal loanee this season after Charlie Patino made the switch to the Tangerines earlier this summer.
Norton-Cuffy's strong showings for Lincoln earned him a spot in England's Under-19 European Championships squad, and he featured in all five games for the Young Lions en route to the trophy.
The ex-Chelsea youngster's path into the first team is currently blocked by Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin, but the latter could ultimately join Real Betis on a free transfer if a contract termination is agreed.
Ben Knapton
