Amario Cozier-Duberry “turned down” a move to West Ham in order to secure his switch from Arsenal to Brighton, according to the Evening Standard.
The Hammers were one of seven other teams that the 19-year-old could have joined, including Aston Villa, Celtic, Rangers, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
However, Cozier-Duberry is believed to have chosen Brighton as he was given guarantees about first-team opportunities.
The teenager has signed a four-year contract with the Seagulls, where he will join up with new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
A former West Ham player has compared Cozier-Duberry to Saka
Ex-Hammers midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is now Arsenal’s Under 18 manager, praised the winger last year when he drew comparisons between him and England international Bukayo Saka:
“He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he’s definitely exciting. In some moments he’s unplayable.”
“You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you’ve got individuals like that you’ve got a chance.”
There is too much competition on West Ham’s right flank
The biggest factor that probably led Cozier-Duberry to reject a transfer to the London Stadium is the sheer number of right-wingers at Julen Lopetegui’s disposal.
In addition to Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus (who is also comfortable playing in that position), the Irons have recently signed Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
The Brazilian is a year younger than Cozier-Duberry and cost £25.5m so there is no doubt which player would have been given more first-team opportunities next season.
Even so, West Ham would still have loved to sign Cozier-Duberry due to the level of talent he possesses.
