Int’L striker training with Arsenal after departing English club
Mason Cotcher, the under-17 striker from England, has been participating in training sessions with Arsenal after departing Sunderland, as reported by Daily Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
Rangers, a prominent Scottish Premiership team, is also expressing interest in the 17-year-old.
If he were to make a move to Rangers, the compensation for his current English Championship club would be considerably reduced.
England U17 forward Mason Cotcher has been training with the 1st team squad at #Arsenal after leaving Sunderland. Rangers are also interested in signing the 17yr old and moving cross-border to Scotland would be for much lower compensation pic.twitter.com/H4Ag9p34cg
— Mike McGrath (@mcgrathmike) November 24, 2023
Cotcher has been active on the field for Arsenal’s under-18 team, showcasing his skills with a goal and an assist in a match against Crystal Palace just last month.
In the previous season, the English player impressively netted ten goals for Sunderland’s under-18 side, contributing to their strong performance in the under-18 Premier League where they competed closely with Manchester City.
Additionally, he served as an unused substitute for Sunderland’s first-team during their FA Cup victory against Shrewsbury Town earlier in the year.
💪 WE'RE IN FRONT!
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) October 28, 2023
⚽️ MASON COTCHER POUNCES FIRST TO TAP HOME!
🦅 0-1 🟡 (44)#AFCU18 | #U18PL pic.twitter.com/kCNwtXQN5V
As reported by Jeorge Bird, Cotcher participated in a training session with Mikel Arteta’s team, donning a special trialist training kit, indicating his current trial status with Arsenal. The outcome of whether Arsenal will extend a contract to him remains uncertain.
While Rangers and others keep a close eye on the situation, the young talent is eager to make a positive impression on the Gunners.
Arsenal is actively seeking reinforcements in their attacking lineup for the upcoming January transfer window, with links to Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
However, potential Financial Fair Play concerns could complicate a deal for the England international. The possibility of acquiring a high-quality forward on loan is also uncertain.
Although Cotcher is still a work in progress and may not immediately impact the first team if signed, he could be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s youth squads, having already demonstrated his capabilities with the under-18s.
Brighton & Hove Albion is reportedly monitoring the teenager, who is currently under a scholarship deal with Sunderland. Despite being offered a new deal by Sunderland in the summer, Cotcher declined, and he retains the option to join another club at any time.
Int’L striker training with Arsenal after departing English club
