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Arsenal journalist for football.london Kaya Kaynak says that academy winger Amario Cozier-Duberry is ‘like’ Bukayo Saka.

The Lowdown: Cozier-Duberry profiled

Cozier-Duberry is a 17-year-old right-winger coming through the Arsenal Academy, where he has already played 51 times at youth level in total over all competitions, scoring 15 goals and making a further 11 assists (Transfermarkt).

He has not yet made a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners, but has been named on the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League this season, while he also looked lively during a 2-0 mid-season friendly loss to Juventus at the Emirates Stadium back in December.

Nonetheless, Cozier-Duberry will be hoping to get his chance to impress in the senior team, much like Saka has over the years coming from the Hale End as well.

The Latest: Cozier-Duberry is ‘like Saka’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Kaynak says that Cozier-Duberry is ‘like Saka’ in the way he plays, and also compared his transition from a left-back to a right-winger, much like Saka did in his early Arsenal career:

“He’s a similar player in the sense that he’s left-footed, can drift central, and can play a creative midfield role.

“He generally tends to play on the right-wing but he’s very versatile and can play a lot of different positions.

“Much like Saka did when he first broke into the team. He started off at left-back, now as a right-winger and who knows, Cozier-Duberry is definitely someone who could do that.”

The Verdict: His time will come

As shown with Saka and the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe among others, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are willing to give youngsters from the academy chances in the first team if they are good enough.

After the path that Saka has taken, where he now currently has 24 times and gone to a FIFA World Cup with England, Cozier-Duberry can have ambitions that he can eventually do the same if he is given the same chance to impress.

An alternative for him would also be to go out on loan next season, much like Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun have done in this campaign, and try to impress enough to be recalled into the senior squad.

Nonetheless, Cozier-Duberry is certainly another exciting talent that supporters will hope can also come through over the next few years.

Leeds United have struggled since returning to the Premier League, and despite their first-season success have endured two campaigns since riddled with the prospect of relegation.

However, since Javi Gracia's appointment, it is clear that his competence and pragmatism has already left an impact on the fans of the club, assuring them that there is a feasable reality where safety is assured with comfort.

It marks a huge change from their year-long spell under Jesse Marsch, whose chaotic brand of football lacked any structure to make it sustainable.

One of the darkest points of the Americans' reign was during the summer following their survival, where Barcelona forced their hand to sell their prized asset Raphinha. It feels like ever since then there has been a gaping hole where he once starred.

That could be a vacancy that is soon to be filled, however, as young Amari Miller continues his rise through the ranks likely with one eye on a spot in the first team.

Who is Amari Miller?

Having joined from Birmingham City with rave reviews, the tricky teenager had only just forced his way into the first team before moving to Elland Road.

It was expected that he would soon be on a pathway to the first team, but new signings, poor form and the general struggles of the team often left the conditions far from conducive to his emergence.

However, he remains brimming with potential as he has been a mainstay for the U21s despite his youth.

The 20-year-old has suffered somewhat this campaign, with the wide man yet to offer a goal contribution across seven Premier League 2 games. However, it was last year where he truly showed the necessary quality that suggests he could emulate the mercurial Brazilian who came before him.

Scoring three and assisting a further two, he would also impressively score in their heavy defeat to League Two side Tranmere Rovers.

It has not been the easiest transition for the youngster, but before leaving, his manager at the time Lee Bowyer hinted at the sparkling future he would have. He noted: "I want to look at him and see if he can start a game next season for us because he has got potential.

“[He adds] Goals, assists, pace, something that we probably lack a bit is pace. He’s at that age where he is fearless. When he came on against Stoke, he got himself into an area and wasn’t afraid to go at the defender."

Raphinha himself did not immediately become a fan favourite upon joining. It took time and hard work before he became revered, scoring 17 and assisting 12 in just 67 appearances.

He was hardly the most prolific, but this fearlessness and desire to beat his man speedily made him adored. Miller boasts many of the same qualities that could see him thrive.

Perhaps the introduction of a calmer presence like Gracia might make the environment far more accepting for youngsters to break through, without the stress of a relegation battle potentially plaguing their early years in senior football.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has no doubt benefitted from the club's star-studded academy ranks during his time at the Etihad thus far, with recent years, in particular, having seen the emergence of a handful of exciting youngsters into the first team.

For all the talk regarding the champions' spending habits – having notably splashed out £100m on Jack Grealish back in 2021 – City have also looked to the youth set-up to bolster their ranks of late, with the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis having all made the successful transition into the senior squad.

The latter man has been the latest academy product to truly flourish under Guardiola's watch, with the versatile teenager – who has been branded "contagious" by the former Barcelona boss due to his boundless energy – having already made 18 appearances for the Cityzens to date.

The onus will now be to churn out yet another star of the future who can also make a strong impression on the first team, with 16-year-old, Joel Ndala, seemingly one such talent who is generating a lot of buzz at present.

Who is Joel Ndala?

The "highly impressive" youngster – as hailed by journalist Ian Cheeseman – has been in explosive form at youth level so far this term, having contributed a standout tally of 15 goals and eight assists in just 29 games across all competitions.

While yet to enjoy a taste of senior action, the former Port Vale asset has flourished as a real shining light in the academy ranks, notably scoring 12 goals and laying on six assists in just 17 Premier League games at U18 level.

That standout form has already earned the England U18 international a place in City's U21 squad on occasion so far this season, while he has also begun to attract attention from afar, after being included in The Guardian's Next Generation list for 2022, placing him alongside the top 20 young talents in the Premier League.

As a fleet-footed winger who typically operates off the left flank, there are seemingly obvious comparisons to be made with Ndala and former City youth product, Jadon Sancho, with the current Manchester United man having also begun life at the Etihad, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists in 22 games for the club's U18 side.

While Sancho is currently struggling to perform at Old Trafford – where has scored just ten times and provided four assists in 63 games across all fronts – the 23-year-old previously thrived at Borussia Dortmund after leaving City in 2017, going on to register 114 goal involvements in only 137 games for the Bundesliga side.

That stellar form for the German giants earned notable praise from pundit Rio Ferdinand, who stated back in 2018: "He’s got everything. He’s got skill, pace, tenacity, desire, commitment, he gets goals."

That glowing assessment is undoubtedly similar to what has been said with regard to Ndala's sparkling talent, with journalist Jamie Jackson writing that the teen dynamo has 'balance, poise, close control and [a] penchant for goal-breaking bursts'.

Although Guardiola and co never got to see Sancho at first-team level after allowing the winger to depart for a £10m fee just under six years ago, the Spaniard could well have found his next precocious talent in the form of Ndala.

Unlike in the case of the current Man United man, City must certainly try and keep hold of the exciting talent this time around.

Crystal Palace are monitoring Sunderland forward Jack Clarke ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Who is Jack Clarke?

Clarke is a promising young winger who currently plays his football at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats ace initially joined Tony Mowbray’s side on loan in January 2022 from Tottenham Hotspur then made his move permanent later that summer after impressing in the northeast, as per Transfermarkt.

The Championship starlet’s contract therefore isn’t set to expire for another three years, but being his manager’s overall second best-performing player with a match rating of 7.05, has been attracting interest ahead of the upcoming window.

According to Nixon’s Patreon report (via Football League World), Crystal Palace are “keeping tabs” on Clarke ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Eagles were reportedly “keen” on a move for the 22-year-old during his time at Leeds United so have clearly been long-term admirers and are now weighing up an approach in the summer.

Roy Hodgson and his outfit, however, would only be “willing to step up their pursuit” if Wilfried Zaha was to leave at the end of the season. The Ivory Coast international has been “tabled” a new contract but has potential suitors queuing up to secure his services.

Could Clarke step into Zaha's shoes?

Clarke hasn’t got any proper experience in the Premier League having failed to make the breakthrough at Spurs so it could be seen as a risk throwing him in at the deep end, but whilst he’s still young, he’s got more than enough ability to step up and fill Zaha’s role at Palace.

The Black Cats forward has clocked up 19 goal contributions (ten goals and nine assists) in 42 appearances across all competitions this season where his individual impact has been recognised having received five man-of-the-match awards. The £15k-p/w talent has also whipped 85 crosses into the box and is averaging 1.5 key passes per game, showing that even if he’s not always on the scoresheet, he’s constantly looking to create chances for his fellow teammates (all statistics prior to the game vs Cardiff).

Clarke, who has been dubbed an “unreal” player by journalist Josh Bunting, is additionally comfortable operating in six different positions, including in midfield and on the wing on both the left and right flanks alongside at centre-forward, so he would be an all-round fantastic addition for Hodgson.

Fulham defender Layvin Kurzawa, currently on loan from Paris-Saint Germain, is expected to leave and return to his parent club this summer.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

It could be a crucial summer for both Marco Silva and the Whites board as they look to build upon their solid debut season back in the Premier League.

The Craven Cottage side started off brightly and have done enough to earn a second successive campaign back in the top flight, though recent results have exposed some glaring weaknesses to be fixed.

Indeed, Fulham supporters have not seen their side win a single league game since they beat Brighton back in mid-Febuary, with the west Londoners losing their last four matches against Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth and West Ham.

In that time, they've conceded nine goals against with only three scored themselves – potentially highlighting the need for a summer shake-up. Of the players linked with a move, FC Porto star Mateus Uribe, Roma's Chris Smalling and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech are among the names recently mentioned.

In terms of exits, some players will need to make way for new arrivals, with Kurzawa firmly on the chopping block. According to French news outlet Le10sport, it is believed Fulham will not attempt to sign the left-back permanently and he seems set to return to PSG upon the expiry of his loan spell.

Kurzawa has apparently dissatisfied the Cottagers with his season overall, with the outlet explaining:

"Loaned this season to Fulham, the defender has not given satisfaction, and should return to Paris this summer, where his contract runs until June 2024."

How has Kurzawa fared at Fulham?

The 30-year-old has been very unlucky since signing for Silva, spending the majority of his time on the treatment table and missing out on a fair few matchday squads.

Kurzawa is currently out of action with a sideband tear and his numerous weeks spent in rehab have ultimately given the player little chance to prove his worth.

That being said, the defender has dazzled at rare points, perhaps most notably scoring a brace and grabbing an assist during Fulham's FA Cup campaign this year.

Silva certainly rates Kurzawa, having called him a 'top, top player' whilst predicting that he could hand the team a different dimension.

However, his latest injury setback appears to have been the final straw for Fulham chiefs, who now seem set to let him return to the French capital.

Arsenal's growth into Premier League title-chasers has been remarkable, as Mikel Arteta needed only add a few of his own additions to somehow turn them into challengers.

Much of their current outfit were left over from previous regimes, but have only now seen their potential unlocked under the stewardship of a clearly very astute leader.

Given it is his first foray into full management, the Spaniard is owed plenty of credit whether they see the job through or not.

Of those stars who he inherited, arguably few have shone brighter this season than Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian was acquired for just £6m back in 2019, much to Unai Emery's delight, as a highly-rated teenager with a glistening future.

Unfortunately, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss would not get to oversee his growth as he was sacked later that year.

The whole of England are now playing witness to the talent that the 51-year-old foresaw, with the 21-year-old having slotted perfectly into Arteta's youthful, exciting and flamboyant outfit. It seems that, despite the added pressure this campaign has demanded, the wide man has only flourished further.

How good has Gabriel Martinelli been this season?

It is clear that the £124m-rated maestro has improved with each season, as his progression is there for all to see. However, much of his growth can be attributed to the management of the former Everton midfielder, who would likely put Martinelli's emergence down as one of his biggest success stories yet.

Boasting ten goals in all competitions in his debut year, and just a further two given injury troubles the campaign following, it is the past two seasons that have seen the speedster earn that aforementioned astronomical valuation.

However, with 14 league goals already from the left flank alongside a further four assists, outlining him as the club's top scorer in a year where they could claim the title, it was no surprise to see teammate and fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus brand him an "animal" just after moving to the Emirates.

In fact, journalist Pete O'Rourke gave his own verdict on what has been such an outstanding campaign for the £90k-per-week menace, that could culminate in the ultimate silverware.

He told Football FanCast:

"He's just gone to another level under Mikel Arteta, he's been electric for Arsenal down that left-hand side this season. A versatile player, you can play him down the middle or out wide. Electric pace, good finisher as well.

"I think he's just going to get better and better so, yeah that £6m will look like an absolute bargain in years to come I think."

Few have overseen such a dramatic rise to the top of the game like the Brazil international, and given his integration into a new country, it even could be seen as a bigger success story under Arteta than Bukayo Saka's.

Either way, it will be capped off should they claim the title they have fought so hard for come the end of May, with Martinelli sure to play a key role akin to the one that has maintained the charge.

Aston Villa are eyeing moves for Manchester City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker after holding internal discussions in the Midlands, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news involving Phillips and Walker?

NSWE appear to be preparing for Unai Emery’s first full season in charge and plan to back the manager with a “huge” summer transfer budget.

The Spaniard has worked wonders with the current squad and could well guide the club to European qualification after a fine run of form in the Premier League.

Two players who have been linked with moves to the Midlands in Phillips and Walker, with the former seemingly a long-term target at Villa Park after first being linked with a move to the club back in 2019.

Walker on the other hand previously spent time on loan at Villa Park in the early stages of his career, and a return could well be on the cards.

Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Villa and the two England internationals.

He stated that Villa have held internal discussions over a stunning double bid for the Manchester City pair, with those at the Etihad potentially tempted by a bid in the region of £55m for the duo.

Will this be one to keep an eye on?

Walker, on £175,000-a-week, has plenty of experience at the highest level for club and country but has fallen out of favour slightly under Pep Guardiola, starting just 15 league gammes this season.

Emery may have a shortage of right-back options come the summer, with Matty Cash and Ashley Young the current choices, although the latter of the two is yet to extend his stay and is out of contract at the end of the season.

Therefore, a move for Walker, labelled as a “tank once he hits his speed” by Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, could be a shrewd move.

However, Phillips, hailed as a "monster" by former Crystal Palace man, Yannick Bolasie, has endured a frustrating first season at the Etihad, playing just 405 minutes of football all season.

He is on £160,000-a-week in Manchester after leaving Leeds United last summer but can’t break into Guardiola’s plans, so a big-money move to Villa Park could be a gamble.

Villa chiefs are seemingly long-term admirers of the England midfielder, though, and a double swoop looks like it’ll be one to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Arsenal are "following" Valencia's Yunus Musah, with the midfielder now expected to leave the La Liga side in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Will Arsenal sign a central midfielder this summer?

With it recently being reported the Gunners are willing to listen to offers for Granit Xhaka in the upcoming window, there are indications Mikel Arteta is planning to revamp his midfield this summer.

Of course, West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains a major target, and Arteta is now becoming increasingly confident he can convince the England international to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, despite their faltering title bid.

Other options in midfield include Lovro Majer, with the Daily Mail reporting Arsenal have taken a strong interest in the Rennes maestro, while journalist Ben Jacobs believes Moises Caicedo "could still end up" making the switch to north London.

The Gunners have reportedly had a bid turned down for Musah in the past, as detailed by FC Inter News back in December, but they are still considering a move for the midfielder this summer, as per a new update from Romano.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the transfer guru said: “I’ve mentioned Arsenal and Chelsea’s interest in Yunus Musah and it is the case that they are following Musah since January; Inter as well,”

“At the moment it’s just scouting and not advanced yet, but Musah has good chances to move this summer.”

Should Arsenal sign Yunus Musah?

Football scout Jacek Kulig praised the American for his "excellent" performance with his national side against England at the World Cup, which indicates he would be mature enough to immediately challenge for a place in the starting XI, despite his age.

Kulig also claims the youngster has a "huge future ahead", and he is already making a name for himself at Valencia, having made 32 appearances in all competitions this season, during which time he has picked up two assists.

The 20-year-old's attacking output has not been overly impressive, but he is a threat going forward, ranking in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, and in the 97th for progressive carries, indicating he is capable of working the ball into more promising areas of the pitch.

The £8.3k-per-week starlet would be a fantastic addition for Arsenal, considering the vast potential he possesses, however they still need to make sure they bring in a more proven option in midfield ahead of the Champions League next season, and Rice should be the priority target.

Chelsea slumped to an embarrassing, yet equally unsurprising defeat at the hands of title-chasing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

A totally unacceptable and abject first-half display saw the Blues fall three goals behind in just 34 minutes to pile further misery upon Frank Lampard.

The caretaker manager has lost all six games in charge since his return to the Stamford Bridge helm and has been unable to reverse the fortunes of this broken club.

Todd Boehly’s excessive scattergun recruitment has largely been pinpointed as one of the principal reasons for the side’s monumental downfall, but the signing of the elite Raheem Sterling was intended to showcase his intentions.

At the time, then-manager Thomas Tuchel was elated with the deal and lavished praise upon the transfer.

He said: "It was the number one priority, and we are very excited and super happy. It's a perfect fit.”

However, Sterling has failed to recapture the form that catapulted him into international stardom and has massively underperformed for his new club. This was painfully apparent in his weak and uninspiring display against the Gunners.

How did Raheem Sterling play against Arsenal?

The forward bagged 226 goal contributions in 339 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles in the process.

He rightly arrived in west London with a prestigious and esteemed reputation but has been unable to make any meaningful impact.

In last night’s encounter, he failed to register any shots, successful dribbles, accurate crosses or key passes in a dismal showing, which resulted in his substitution after 71 minutes.

One Blues writer labelled the former Liverpool player as “absolutely embarrassing”, which is completely warranted on the basis of his current form.

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the night was his lack of effort. Indeed, for one Arsenal goal he had a handle on Martin Odegaard before letting him roam free completely unaware into the box.

There were plenty on show at the Emirates who were 'embarrassing', most notably Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, much to the satisfaction of Arsenal fans, as he completed just nine touches before being dragged off at half-time.

That said, Sterling wasn't much better and could quite easily have been withdrawn at the interval himself.

The 82-cap international now hasn’t scored since New Year's Day and despite his immense trickery and skill, he has only mustered 1.3 dribbles per game, just the sixth-highest in a vastly underperforming team, as per WhoScored.

No one has been consistent for Chelsea this season, but as one of the players with the most pedigree, he has been shameful at times and has delivered way below expectations.

The attacker looks like a shadow of the player that hugged the touchline at Manchester City and relentlessly tortured defenders with his unplayable pace and dynamism. He cuts a dejected, frustrated, and disconnected figure at a club that is crying out for stability.

Nevertheless, the £71m-rated man needs to roll back the years quickly and find his previously devastating goal-scoring touch.

David De Gea is still set to sign a new contract at Manchester United despite recent poor performances, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

What's going on with David De Gea?

The goalkeeper has come in for heavy criticism at times this season, and the Spaniard made a huge error which cost his side the match in his last display away at West Ham.

His £375k-per-week deal is set to come to an end this summer, but Erik ten Hag confirmed that he wants his number one goalkeeper to stay, and he is expected to sign a new deal.

Speaking on The United Stand, Romano confirmed that talks with De Gea are still positive, and that the club expect him to take a wage deduction and sign on fresh terms.

"From what I understand the conversation is still positive, it's still advanced between David De Gea and Manchester United," he stated.

"Sources close to the player's side feel that he only wants to stay at Manchester United. So that was important to understand about the salary reduction, because if Man United didn't trigger the option it's because they want it and they're expecting a salary reduction for David De Gea to stay at United maybe with a longer contract.

"So just not one year extension but maybe it could be a two-year deal. So this is why the conversation is taking some time, but they still feel optimistic and as Erik ten Hag said, they want De Gea to stay."

Do United need to replace De Gea?

The 32-year-old, who has been at United for nearly 12 years, was renowned in his prime for his shot-stopping, but in recent years his ability with the ball has been criticised.

This season, De Gea has made four errors directly leading to a goal, and no one in the Premier League has made more. His error against West Ham came from his failure to stop a low shot from Said Benrahma, and his struggles to deal with crosses in the same game meant West Ham were unlucky to double their lead as Michail Antonio had a goal ruled out.

Given how much De Gea is struggling, it is surprising that United are choosing to renew his deal. This summer could have been the perfect opportunity to part ways, lifting his salary off the wage bill and signing a long-term option, rather than keeping an ageing, underperforming player.