Amario Cozier-Duberry Eyed By West Ham This Summer

Brighton and Hove Albion have been known for their incredible lineup of young players progressing through the ranks. 

Amario Cozier-Duberry seems like the next in line for the Seagulls. A very impressive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in League 1 last season was enough to bring his name to Albion fans' radars. 

The former Arsenal talent recorded eight goals and 12 assists last season, picking up Bolton's Young Player of the Season award. 

West Ham have been linked with a possible move for Cozier-Duberry this summer. It is not clear whether it will be a loan or a permanent deal at this stage. 

Albion have always been focussed on ensuring the next step for a player is the best it can be, as we have seen with players like Ben White.

White was sent on loan to Newport County, Peterborough, and eventually Leeds United before making a first-team appearance for Brighton. Similarly, Carl Rushworth, who has spent time at the likes of Worthing, Lincoln City, Swansea City, and now Coventry City, has had two permanent bids rejected for the talented goalkeeper. 

Cozier-Duberry could follow a similar pathway; however, he faces a lot of competition in the current Albion first team. The new £21.5 million signing of Zadok Yohanna from AIK Stockholm will sit in a similar position, as will Harry Howell, Nehemiah Oriola, and Yankuba Minteh. 

The English winger has been in talks over a new contract at Brighton, but has been stalling to see which options would arise this summer. Cozier-Duberry has two years left on his current contract; the Hammers are believed to be long-term admirers of the 21-year-old. 

With those points in mind, it would be intriguing to see how Albion react to permanent bids incoming this summer, and it has to be said, it'd be a shame to see another young player leave somewhat prematurely in his time at the club. 

The aforementioned Yahonna signing does seem to add an element of doubt towards his current pathway to the first team, and thus, a stalling in a contract extension makes a lot of sense. 

West Ham will be looking for a new long-term replacement for Crysencio Summerville, who is expected to leave East London this summer. Summerville is a very talented player and has been reportedly courted by an abundance of clubs this summer, including Tottenham. 

The Hammers are going through quite the rebuild off the pitch, too, and therefore an influx of younger signings who could be at the club for the long term would align with a modern, refreshed vision.