With nine games to go in the Premier League, and six points from survival, its safe to say that time is running out for Daniel Farke and Norwich as they seek to miraculously beat the drop.
The club currently sit at the bottom of the league table, but there is a case to argue that they have not been the worst side to watch this year. In fact, Norwich are admirably amongst the most exciting teams to watch despite their position. One man who’s been an ever-present in Farke’s exciting setup, undergoing a fruitful first campaign in the top-flight is England under-21 international Todd Cantwell.
If there is one element the club can shout about this season, its the emergence of the bright young winger. 6 goals and 2 assists in 29 Premier League appearances is an impressive return for a player embarking on his first full term in the top-flight. Norwich may be on their way back down to the Championship but Todd Cantwell certainly won’t be joining them.
The 22-year old is subject to much interest from Premier League clubs already, and is truly deserving of performing on a much bigger stage next season, but who are those interested and how will Cantwell fit in?
Liverpool?
According to various reports, Liverpool are Todd Cantwell’s most likely destination. However, this is a potential move with its reservations. There is no doubting Todd Cantwell’s tremendous abilities and attitude, he is a player which certainly represents astute business for Liverpool but if Cantwell wants to be playing first team football every week, a move to Anfield may not be the most ideal decision for the player and his development.
With Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah looking to remain at the champions-elect next season. There are no guarantees for Cantwell to get the required game time he needs. If the Norwich City winger needs any examples, he can look no further than Liverpool’s January signing of Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg. Despite the Japanese internationals qualities, his game time has indeed been limited. It’s certainly ideal for Klopp to have options in his squad, but in terms of the individual’s growth and development, he hasn’t yet been given the opportunity to set the Premier League alight.
Todd Cantwell needs a club in which he can quickly establish himself as a first team regular, and an experience an environment in which he can improve his game and most importantly continue his rapid development. A move to the potential Premier League champions may not provide him with that luxury.
Everton?
As well as Liverpool’s interest in Cantwell. Merseyside neighbours Everton are also reportedly interested in the player. It is a move which could make perfect sense for both parties.
Everton’s current crop of wingers are all under performing as of late, and lacking the consistency to propel Carlo Ancelotti’s side to within the coveted European places. Bernard, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson combined, share just 8 goals and 7 assists between them in all competitions this season. A poor return considering their individual abilities. Everton have remarkably improved since Marco Silva departed in December, however it is unclear whether either one of the aforementioned players will remain at Goodison after this season.
Everton’s investment over the past few years has indeed been unsatisfactory, and a move for a young bright talent such as Todd Cantwell could represent quality business. A clear improvement on their record in the transfer market.
Most importantly, the Norwich starlet would be a welcome upgrade on their current options, and is sure to receive the necessary game time to improve and development much further especially under the tutelage of a well renowned and decorated coach in Carlo Ancelotti. A move to the blue half of Merseyside seems a much more plausible option.
Tottenham Hotspur?
According to The Sun newspaper, Tottenham have reportedly ramped up their efforts to snap up Todd Cantwell, after the player remarkably helped KO their FA Cup hopes. It is believed Spurs have been tracking the player for some time and Jose Mourinho is interested in signing him this summer. Tottenham do have a good record of snapping up young British talents, Dele Ali, Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke to name a few. The club are hoping to continue that trend by boosting their wide options with Cantwell’s signature.
Tottenham already harness a number of options in the wide areas especially after the January signing of Steven Bergwijn from PSV Eindhoven. However, Todd Cantwell is a different type of player. He may not be as quick as Son Hueng-Min, Lucas Moura and Bergwijn, but his qualities on and off the ball have been a stand out feature of his game for Norwich despite their lowly league position. His link-up play with Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia has been a key feature of Norwich’s football this season.
The ability to mix up his game, perform in awfully tight spaces and his understanding of exploiting spaces in between the lines has propelled him to become arguably Norwich’s most influential performer. He’s averaged 1.1 key passes per game, 1.5 dribbles, and is fouled on average twice per game.
Tottenham this season, have regularly struggled to break down rigid defences, and Cantwell’s ball control, vision and movement could aid Mourinho much further heading into next season. It is unclear whether Cantwell could become a first-team regular under Mourinho, but there is no reason why he can’t further his learning under the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager.
The midfielder was a standout performer in their FA Cup tie and was a constant thorn in Tottenham’s defence going forward. He also took his penalty with consummate ease, a testament to his high confidence levels and maturity. A step up in the form of Tottenham Hotspur could be just the move he so desperately craves.
Arsenal?
Todd Cantwell recently admitted he’s an Arsenal supporter so a shock move to the Emirates cannot be ruled out. It’s going to be a massive summer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta as the former Manchester City assistant coach aims to reshape his ailing squad for the new season. Arsenal are well short on numbers in the wide areas and a move for Todd Cantwell could well represent a fresh new direction and approach for the Arsenal manager.
It is unclear how much Arteta will be given in terms of funds to build for next season but it is believed a fee of around £30million will be enough to prize Cantwell away from Carrow Road. For much of the season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been deployed as an auxiliary left winger, regularly cutting in field or as a withdrawn striker behind Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette.
He’s performed expertly well in that position, though his future will always gonna lie at the head of the Arsenal attack – providing he chooses to commit his future to Arsenal in the coming months. Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe represent the only out-an-out wingers for Arteta, another two options are needed in the area, and the addition of Todd Cantwell may just prove a steel signing for Mikel Arteta for the future.
anthonyscouts.co.uk 