Transfer news: Arsenal, Brighton and Rangers show interest in Sunderland man – everything we know

Mason Cotcher, a Sunderland academy product, has garnered attention from teams higher up the ladder than the Black Cats this weekend, making headlines on Wearside.

As of right now, Cotcher plays mostly up front for Sunderland and is an England youth international.

The 17-year-old scored goals frequently for the under-18 team that challenged Manchester City to a thrilling championship run, and he had a fantastic season the previous season.

Cotcher helped out last season in 19 under-18 Premier League games for Sunderland, contributing 10 goals in those games, although he hasn’t played yet this year.

In early 2023, Cotcher was added to Tony Mowbray’s team for the FA Cup third-round victory over Shrewsbury Town.

Indeed, it does. When the young player played for Arsenal’s under-18 team this week, it raised eyebrows among Sunderland supporters, indicating that the Premier League team was seriously considering the player.

Cotcher played in the under-18 Premier League Cup competition on Saturday on Teesside for Arsenal’s young team versus Middlesbrough.

The Echo is also aware that Brighton and Hove Albion, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, and Scottish powerhouse Rangers have also evaluated the young player in advance of a possible transfer.

It remains to be seen if Brighton, Rangers, or Arsenal will pursue Cotcher.

Given that Cotcher is still under contract for a scholarship, the young player may be able to leave Sunderland at any time.

Children who have not yet signed professional contracts are free to transfer teams, and in the event that clubs are unable to come to an agreement on a financial package, compensation tribunals will be held.

But if Cotcher does leave Sunderland, it will be financially advantageous for the team in either case.

Now that he is free to sign a professional contract, Cotcher’s talents have being sought after by Sunderland.

According to Phil Smith, main Sunderland reporter for The Echo, the Back Cats made a bid early in the summer but were unable to come to an understanding on conditions.

As the striker considered his alternatives, Sunderland grew more accepting of Cotcher’s departure, even if they remained open to him rejoining them should he have a change of heart.

Are Sunderland’s brightest Academy of Light starlets hanging on?

In general, the answer is yes, but there are some nuances. Despite interest from other teams, Sunderland has been able to hold onto a number of highly-regarded young players, notably 16-year-old Chris Rigg, who has committed to a scholarship term.

In response to rumours that he would leave during the summer transfer window, Tom Watson, 17, has also committed to a professional contract at the Stadium of Light.

But last summer, Sunderland also saw young custodian Toby Bell leave Wearside to join Chelsea.

Even yet, Sunderland has recruited young players Matty Young, Ben Metcalf, and Trey Ogunsuyi to scholarship agreements, despite major interest from Premier League clubs.

Everton, one of the best teams, had interest in Dan Parker as well, but he chose to stay at the Academy of Light with his fellow scholarship recipients.