Report: Arsenal beat Liverpool and Manchester City to signing of wonderkid

Arsenal look set to win the race for one of England’s most talked-about young forwards, with The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reporting that the Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Salford City striker Will Wright.

The 17-year-old has made just four senior appearances for the League Two side but has already drawn major attention this summer. Wright has scored four goals in pre-season and attracted bids from top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, and Burnley.

Liverpool had previously been considered favourites to land Wright after tabling a £100,000 bid plus add-ons. However, Arsenal have stolen a march on their rivals by offering a package worth £250,000 with significant performance-based bonuses. That proposal appears to have tipped the scales in Arsenal’s favour.

The Preston-born striker has generated growing excitement in recent weeks, with his pre-season form underlining why so many top-flight clubs have been circling. At 17, Wright is seen as one of the brightest young forwards in the EFL.

This move aligns with Arsenal’s renewed focus on strengthening their youth setup. Following a summer academy clear-out, the club is looking to rebuild its U21 and U18 ranks with top talent from across the UK and beyond. Wright represents exactly the kind of high-upside addition the club is targeting.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are targeting Blackburn Rovers’ 17-year-old forward Igor Tyjon – news we brought you earlier this month.

While first-team reinforcements remain a priority for Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker and Andrea Berta this summer, Arsenal are clearly not neglecting the long-term future. Signings like Will Wright could be key to maintaining a strong production line of talent — a hallmark of the club’s identity.