Arteta alters transfer plans as wonderkid emergence set to save Arsenal millions

Mikel Arteta has reportedly been impressed by the recent performances of Arsenal loanee Brook Norten-Cuffy.

The 18-year-old joined Lincoln City in January on a short-term deal until the end of the season, starting the last two games for the Imps after making four appearances off the bench.

And he's grabbed the opportunity with both hands by putting in a handful of brilliant performances for the English side.

It has caught the attention of Arteta and academy chief Per Mertesacker who are both impressed with how he's hit the ground running, according to football.london.

The report says that Cuffy could eventually be utilised as a deputy to Takehiro Tomiyasu with back-up right-back Cedric Soares' future up in the air after his agent spoke to several European clubs in January over a move.

It remains to be seen whether Cuffy will be used as the Japanese international's understudy as soon as next season but the opportunity is there for the rising star as Cedric's potential exit would leave him as the second choice right-back at the club.

Arsenal could alternatively dip into the market to strengthen the position, but Cuffy's emergence means they could spare those funds to focus on adding attacking reinforcements, something which is a priority for the club with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave as free agents in the summer.

Lincoln manager Michael Appleton insists Cuffy has the ability to play in the Premier League one day.

"We've got a right back that we've brought in from Arsenal who's not bad also," said Appleton.

"I think there's going to be a lot of people who are going to be interested in Brooke between now and the end of the season.

"He's a player that personally - and I don't like singling out too many people, but I'll be amazed if he doesn't play in the Premier League".

Cuffy is enjoying his time with the Imps getting first-team experience under his belt which he reckons will benefit him when he returns to the Emirates in the summer.

He said: "I have learnt so much already in two or three weeks - I can feel myself improving every day in a first-team environment and I like the competition for places.

"When I go back to Arsenal I'm hoping to do so with quite a few League One games under my belt, but right now I'm 100% focused on delivering for Lincoln City."