Arsenal's transfer plan poised to pay off with January windfall amid Italian interest

Arsenal could be in line for a transfer windfall without parting ways with any of their current squad this January. Former Gunners starlet Brooke Norton-Cuffy is being touted for a significant move in the upcoming months.

Norton-Cuffy, 21, bid farewell to Arsenal for Genoa just over a year ago following loan stints at Lincoln City, Rotherham, Coventry and Millwall. Importantly, the Gunners ensured a 'sizable sell-on fee' was included in the deal when they offloaded the young talent to the Serie A outfit.

The full-back spent last term adjusting to life in Italy but has since become an integral part of Patrick Vieira's Genoa team, even earning a spot in the England under-21 squad that clinched the Euros in the summer. Genoa have only managed to secure two points this season, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the league alongside Pisa, with neither team yet to taste victory.

Despite his limited time in the Italian top-flight, Norton-Cuffy is rapidly gaining attention. The defender may soon find himself with fresh options come the next transfer window.

Italian publication Tuttosport reports that Juventus are keeping a close eye on Norton-Cuffy as they seek to bring in a new wing-back for coach Igor Tudor. The former Croatia international remains unconvinced by Joao Mario and has instead opted for Pierre Kalulu on the right flank as a stopgap solution.

While Juventus have been linked with Atletico Madrid's Nahuel Molina, they are also reportedly eyeing a move for Norton-Cuffy. The Italian heavyweights could potentially gain a significant advantage in any deal to secure the England youth international, as Genoa Sporting Director, Marco Ottolini, is widely anticipated to join the club in the forthcoming weeks.

Norton-Cuffy has relished his stint in Italy and was eager to relocate to the country to enhance his defensive skills. Genoa presented a fresh challenge.

In a recent interview, the young defender expressed: "I wanted to come here, play and experience a new style of football, experience a new culture and put myself outside what I'd say is my comfort zone, because I could have easily stayed in England and played for an English team.

"But I said: 'Let me try the challenge abroad. Let me learn a new culture'.

"The Italian league is known for its defensive abilities, structure, style of play. So I said: 'Let me come and improve on my defensive side of the game, but also show what I can do going forward and bring my own style to this league.'"

Norton-Cuffy also spoke highly of his boss, Vieira. "He was a great player, he’s a great manager now and he’s helped me a lot since he’s come in," said the Arsenal academy product.

"The objective is to get as high as possible. First we need to hit the 40-point mark, I think it is, make sure we’re safe, and then look from there, but I think this group is capable of doing some very good things.”

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