15 October 2023 , 17:23
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Arsenal could do battle with a host of suitors including Manchester City for MLS prospect Noel Buck after arch rivals Tottenham failed in their bid to bring the youngster in on trial.
The New England Revolution midfielder has experienced something of a breakout season for his boyhood team, making 24 outings and scoring three goals. Now, it would seem that the 18-year-old's performances have been noticed by several of Europe's top clubs as he continues his rise.
According to the Athletic's Tom Bogert, the England U-19s international could be available for around £6.6million. He contends that the Gunners would potentially have to vie with fellow Premier League outfits Burnley and City, alongside Bundesliga teams for the starlet.
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The prospect had previously been subject to interest from the North London club's nemeses Spurs, with the Massachusetts native having nearly trained with the club during the last off-season. However, any plans for Buck to spend some time at their Enfield base would not materialise.
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Instead, it would appear that a move to their derby opponents could now be the more likely route for him to take if he is to move to the Premier League. The Gunners have, of course, signed a number of players from MLS in recent times with former Revs goalkeeper Matt Turner the standout name.
The American would fail to make a Premier League appearance during his time at the Emirates before moving on to Nottingham Forest in the summer. Aside from the USMNT's number one stopper, the 13-time English champions also signed defender Auston Trusty from Colorado Rapids in 2022.
Like Turner, the US international would find first team football hard to come by under Mikel Arteta and he was twice sent out on loan by the Spaniard. Following temporary spells back at Colorado and then with Birmingham City, he would move to Sheffield United in the summer too.
New England Revolution midfielder Noel Buck is the subject of interest from European giants including Arsenal and Man City (Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)When it comes to Buck, it remains to be seen whether he will decide to follow his two compatriots to North London. One major advantage for the youngster is that he already holds an English passport through his father, which would render any work permit issues obsolete.
As a result of his eligibility for both England and the US, he has also been the subject of a high-profile tug of war between the nations in recent times. Speaking to the The Blazing Musket about his decision to pursue a career with England's set-up, he admitted that he felt at home with the Young Lions.
He said: "I feel like [the US] haven’t really given me the time of day to be completely honest. And when I get called to an England camp, you know, it’s an honour for me."
Despite this, USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter has kept the door open for him, saying: "I've communicated with him, told him that we see him as a player that can compete to make the World Cup team in 2026, based on what he’s doing now."