Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of teenage attacker Amario Cozier-Duberry on a contract until 2028, following his departure from Arsenal.
The 19-year-old joined the Gunners' academy in September 2019 and penned his first professional contract with the club two years ago.
Cozier-Duberry found the net 13 times and registered five assists in 24 appearances for Arsenal's Under-21s last season and was an unused substitute in two first-team fixtures against Brentford in the EFL Cup and Sevilla in the Champions League.
The London-born attacker, who was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month for April, has also represented England at all age groups from Under-16s to Under-19s, making eight appearances for the latter.
Cozier-Duberry was rated highly by Arsenal, but the North London club confirmed at the beginning of this month that the youngster has departed after turning down the chance to extend his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
The teenager has since taken to Instagram to address his exit from Arsenal, saying: "Thank you to all the staff, coaches and my teammates at Arsenal for the last five years.
"I'm grateful for everything the club has done to guide me to where I am today. You'll always have a special place in my heart."
Amario Cozier-Duberry has arrived at Albion! 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/kbUtz5ZAIR
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 7, 2024
Brighton win battle to sign Cozier-Duberry
Cozier-Duberry's exit from Arsenal was understood to have alerted a number of top English and European clubs, with the likes of Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Anderlecht among those interested in his services.
However, Brighton have successfully won the race for his signature, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Seagulls have offered him a clear pathway into their first-team side for next season.
Speaking to Brighton's official website about Cozier-Duberry, technical director David Weir said: "We're really pleased to be able to bring Amario to the club. He's got attributes we like and we believe he is a player who can flourish in our environment.
"We're looking forward to working with him and helping his career to progress."
Cozier-Duberry joins Brighton on a free transfer and becomes their third signing of the summer transfer window since the arrival of new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
The Seagulls completed the signing of Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord for a reported £25m on Friday and spent around £33m on 19-year-old attacker Yankuba Minteh earlier this month.
Cozier-Duberry will now link up with his new Brighton teammates ahead of the club's pre-season tour of Japan later this month, and he will hope to force his way into Hurzeler's first-team plans ahead of the Seagulls' opening Premier League match of the 2024-25 season away against Everton on August 17.
Oliver Thomas
