Everton have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy in a deal expected to cost around €20 million. The 22-year-old defender has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but the Toffees are currently pushing hardest to secure his return to English football.
According to reports, Fulham and Brentford have also registered interest in the Arsenal academy graduate, while Italian giants Inter were previously linked with Norton-Cuffy as a potential replacement for Denzel Dumfries. However, a move to Merseyside now appears the most probable outcome for the England Under-21 international.
Arsenal set for financial windfall
Should the transfer proceed at the reported valuation, Arsenal stand to receive a substantial portion of the fee. Norton-Cuffy joined Genoa last summer for €2 million, with the agreement including add-ons and a sell-on clause that guarantees the Gunners a cut of any future transfer.
The defender spent over a decade in Arsenal’s youth system but never made a senior competitive appearance for the north London club. Instead, he gained experience through loan spells at Lincoln City, Rotherham, Coventry City and Millwall in the English Football League before securing a permanent move to Italy.
The sell-on clause represents a shrewd piece of business by Arsenal’s recruitment team, ensuring the club benefits financially from a player they developed but who left without making a first-team appearance.
Serie A pedigree
Since arriving at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Norton-Cuffy has established himself as a regular starter, making 41 appearances in Serie A and contributing two goals and one assist. Despite his domestic success in Italy, he has yet to feature in a Premier League match.
The proposed transfer would represent a significant profit for Genoa, who signed the player just 12 months ago. The €20 million valuation marks a tenfold increase on the initial outlay paid to Arsenal, reflecting the full-back’s rapid development and the premium placed on homegrown English talent.
Negotiations are understood to be progressing, with Everton keen to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season. The timing of the potential transfer suggests the Merseyside club are acting early to secure their target before other suitors can formalise their interest.