'Great performance': Manager very impressed after 'unplayable' forward he's signed from Arsenal makes debut
07/25/2024 02:15 PM
Although Arsenal seem convinced that it's the right time to sell Emile Smith Rowe this summer, some departures haven't been so amicable.
Mikel Arteta and Edu have reportedly put a real emphasis on players leaving this month in preparation for the club improving their squad.
Although Arsenal will make an exception for Riccardo Calafiori, it will otherwise be akin to a one in, one out policy.
Perhaps in that regard Smith Rowe's departure could pave the way for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino to arrive in north London.
Arsenal have been in contact with Merino, and it seems as if he could be the club's next pursuit after Calafiori.
However, as mentioned, Arsenal have lost at least two players they didn't intend to this summer, youngsters Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters.
Arsenal offered the duo new contracts to stay at the Emirates beyond their expiring deals, but both decided to leave.
That being said, Cozier-Duberry just scored two goals on his Brighton & Hove Albion debut during the club's pre-season tour.
Brighton boss suggests Arsenal have lost a gem with Amario Cozier-Duberry
Arsenal seemed to be aware that they were losing a gem in Cozier-Duberry, who was described as 'unplayable' by youth coach Jack Wilshere.
And following his performance in Brighton's 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers, the side's new manager Fabian Hurzeler spoke in very complimentary tone about the Hale End graduate.
Hurzeler admitted that he had been so impressed by Cozier-Duberry's attitude and character, suggesting that Arsenal had lost an excellent prospect.
He said: "I’m not the biggest fan of talking about individual players. But of course today was a great performance for him.
"His performance was not only about scoring goals, but the most important thing is how we work against the ball and how he does counter pressing when we lose the ball."
READ MORE: Arteta expected to promote 17-year-old Arsenal youngster and use him in first-team squad this season
Hurzeler continued: "He’s still very young and we try to improve him every day. But it’s not only that we try to improve every day, I think it’s also important that the player wants to improve.
"He has this attitude and he has this character inside of him that when he’s coming to training, every time he’s listening, he’s trying to develop, he’s trying to improve individual things.”
Certainly one who got away, and it could be hard for Arsenal fans to watch him continually improve for Brighton in the Premier League this season.
That being said, TBR Football recently shared that Arsenal have rejected an approach from Saudi Arabia for one midfielder this summer.
