Brooke Norton-Cuffy has signed a new deal with Arsenal ahead of a possible Championship loan, according to David Ornstein.

The Athletic report that Brooke Norton-Cuffy has signed a new deal with Arsenal after entering the final 12 months of his previous contract and drawing interest from multiple suitors.

The Gunners are reportedly likely to confirm the news this week, after which Norton-Cuffy could be sent to a Championship club on loan for the coming campaign.

Norton-Cuffy had a very strong first loan spell in senior football last season, joining Lincoln City in League One. He made 17 appearances in a few months with the side and earned plenty of praise.

A step up to the Championship seems like the logical next step, particularly given there isn’t much of an opening in the first team for the coming campaign.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is returning from injury to find he has new competition in the form of Ben White at right-back, with Cedric Soares still at the club, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles for cover.

Even in the youth team, Norton-Cuffy is competing with Reuell Walters, although Walters mostly played centre-back for Arsenal in pre-season.

Norton-Cuffy appeared set to feature for Arsenal in pre-season as well, after winning the u19 Euros with England. But he’s been out of action for the last few weeks, presumably with an injury.

The 18-year-old will get his opportunities eventually, if he keeps developing as he has done so far. A new contract and a good loan will keep his progression going in the meantime.