‘Outstanding’ Arsenal player has almost completed a shock move to Italy - Romano

With less than one week until the new Premier League season begins, Arsenal are evidently attempting to ramp up their efforts when it comes to player sales.

Emile Smith Rowe has already moved to Fulham, and Arsenal are keen to sell Eddie Nketiah as soon as possible too, with Marseille still considering another bid.

Arsenal could still sell four players before the end of August, paving the way for new arrivals.

Mikel Merino is determined to move to Arsenal according to reports, and may even be followed by a new forward – someone to add fresh impetus to Mikel Arteta’s front line.

But it’s clear that Arteta doesn’t want a bloated squad this season, he will avoid having too many players on the periphery of things like last term.

And in a similar vein, it’s apparent that the Arsenal manager won’t promote talents from the Hale End academy for the sake of it either – Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have had to be patient for their chance.

And just like Amario Cozier-Duberry and Reuell Walters chose to do when their contract expired this summer, it seems as if Brooke Norton-Cuffy will now leave Arsenal.

Arsenal youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy is about to replace Djed Spence at Genoa

Unlike the other two names mentioned, Norton-Cuffy is still under contract with Arsenal, finding himself in a similar situation to Charlie Patino.

After loans in the Championship, both are now too senior for Arsenal’s youth teams, but sadly don’t seem poised for a chance under Arteta with the first-team either.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy of England acknowledges the fans following the UEFA U21 Euro 2025 Qualifier between England and Luxembourg at Toughsheet Commun...

That being said, Fabrizio Romano has just shared an update on X detailing that Norton-Cuffy will shortly be leaving Arsenal for Genoa.

Romano shared two posts, one initially stating that Arsenal had given the ‘green light’ for the ‘outstanding’ youngster to leave, and then another providing more details on any fee and medical.

The journalist shared: “Brooke Norton-Cuffy leaves Arsenal to join Genoa, deal almost agreed between clubs.

“AFC gave green light to the move.”

He then added: “Arsenal will receive €2m fixed fee plus add-ons for Brooke Norton-Cuffy to join Genoa on a permanent deal.

“Medical tests booked later this week.”

Although it’s not enjoyable for Arsenal fans to watch Hale-Enders leave, it is redeeming that Edu has been able to recoup a fee for the 20-year-old.

And realistically there isn’t a first team path for Norton-Cuffy in north London, who isn’t quite at the level required.