Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s Italian adventure is turning heads across Europe, as the 21-year-old right-back continues to thrive under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira at Genoa. Just over a year after departing Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy, the young Englishman has not only cemented his place in the Genoa starting lineup but has also become one of Serie A’s most talked-about emerging talents.
When Norton-Cuffy left Arsenal in the summer of 2024, some questioned the wisdom of a move abroad so early in his career. After all, he’d spent a decade climbing the ranks in North London and had offers from several Premier League clubs to stay in England. But for the ambitious defender, the lure of Serie A’s tactical rigor and the chance to work with a legend like Vieira proved irresistible. “I wanted to come here, play and experience a new style of football, a new culture,” Norton-Cuffy told The Guardian. “The Italian league is known for its defensive abilities, structure, and style of play. So I said, ‘Let me come and improve on my defensive side of the game, but also show what I can do going forward.’”
The transition wasn’t without its bumps. Norton-Cuffy’s first few months in Genoa were beset by injuries, making it tough to settle in and showcase his ability. However, since April 2025, he’s started every Serie A match for the Grifone, quickly becoming a fixture in Vieira’s plans. The Frenchman, who took over as Genoa’s head coach in November 2024, has had a transformative effect on the youngster. “He was a great player, he’s a great manager now and he’s helped me a lot since he’s come in,” Norton-Cuffy said. “The objective is to get as high as possible. First we need to hit the 40-point mark, make sure we’re safe, and then look from there, but I think this group is capable of doing some very good things.”
Under Vieira’s guidance, Norton-Cuffy’s game has matured rapidly. His defensive positioning and technical skills have improved, while his marauding runs down the right flank have made him a fan favorite at Italy’s oldest club. The manager’s influence is clear, with Norton-Cuffy crediting both his Arsenal education and Vieira’s coaching for his development. “At Arsenal, you’re going there and you’re learning to be better every day. If you’re not learning about football, you’re learning about how to cook,” he reflected. “They helped me mature into a man, on the pitch and off the pitch.”
It’s not just Genoa supporters who’ve taken notice. Norton-Cuffy’s performances have caught the eye of scouts and managers across the continent. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his transfer value has already soared past €10 million, a remarkable rise from the €2 million plus add-ons that Genoa paid Arsenal just last year. Several European clubs are now closely monitoring his progress, with Juventus and Napoli reportedly leading the chase.
Juventus, always on the lookout for young, dynamic defenders, have placed Norton-Cuffy high on their January transfer wish list. Tuttosport reports that the Bianconeri are weighing up a move during the upcoming transfer window, though Genoa would only consider offers in the €10-12 million range. Should a deal materialize, Arsenal stand to benefit as well. The original agreement with Genoa included add-ons that guarantee the Gunners a share of any future sale—a shrewd bit of business for the North London club.
Napoli, meanwhile, see Norton-Cuffy as a potential understudy to their established right-back, Giovanni Di Lorenzo. While a starting role at Genoa has undoubtedly accelerated his development, the prospect of joining one of Serie A’s giants could prove tempting for the young Englishman. For now, though, Norton-Cuffy remains focused on his current club’s goals and his own growth under Vieira’s mentorship.
His rise has also been recognized on the international stage. This summer, Norton-Cuffy was included in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the UEFA European Championship. He played a vital role in England’s victorious campaign, celebrating with the trophy after a hard-fought final against Germany at Bratislava’s National Football Stadium on June 28, 2025. The experience only added to his burgeoning confidence and reputation.
Looking back, Norton-Cuffy’s decision to leave the comfort of Arsenal and the Premier League for the challenges of Serie A seems vindicated. “The objective is to get as high as possible,” he reiterated. “First we need to hit the 40-point mark, make sure we’re safe, and then look from there, but I think this group is capable of doing some very good things.” That sense of ambition and belief has become a hallmark of his time in Italy.
Vieira’s impact cannot be overstated. The former Arsenal captain has brought a sense of discipline and tactical clarity to Genoa, and his faith in Norton-Cuffy has been unwavering. Reports suggest that Vieira has played a key role in refining the youngster’s tactical understanding and composure in possession—qualities that have made him one of the most consistent performers in the squad.
Of course, speculation about Norton-Cuffy’s future is only intensifying as the January window approaches. With Juventus and Napoli circling, and his value climbing with every impressive performance, Genoa face a dilemma: cash in on their prized asset or continue to build around a player who’s become central to their plans. For Arsenal, a potential windfall awaits thanks to their foresight in structuring the original deal.
Yet, despite the rumors and rising expectations, Norton-Cuffy remains grounded. “I wanted to come here, play and experience a new style of football, a new culture,” he explained. That hunger to learn and adapt has served him well—and could soon propel him to even greater heights in Italian football.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Genoa’s dynamic right-back. Will he stay and help push the club up the Serie A table, or will a big-money move to Juventus or Napoli beckon in January? Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s bold gamble is paying off, and his story is only just getting started.
