Arsenal ‘Agree Deal’ to Sign Liverpool Striker Target – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Set to Hijack Liverpool’s Move for 17-year-old Striker

In a move reported by The Daily Mail, Arsenal have agreed a £200,000 deal with Salford City for 17-year-old striker Will Wright, pushing ahead of Liverpool in the race for one of England’s most promising teenage talents. This transfer highlights the intense competition between Premier League giants to secure future stars early and reflects the growing trend of top clubs investing significantly in academy prospects.

Wright’s Rise Through Salford Ranks

Wright’s journey has been meteoric. Just two years ago, he was turning out for local clubs Euxton Villa and Fylde. Fast forward, and he has now scored over 50 goals at various levels for Salford, made his senior debut in January against Manchester City in an FA Cup match and is drawing interest from the country’s biggest clubs.

As The Daily Mail reports, “Scouts were suitably impressed as he scored his fourth goal in three successive pre-season games before the match was abandoned.” Despite only playing a few minutes against City in Salford’s 8-0 defeat, his inclusion showed the club’s faith in him. Wright is among the youngest ever to debut for Salford, underlining his exceptional trajectory.

Arsenal’s Aggressive Approach

Liverpool had been seen as favourites to land Wright, having offered £100,000 plus add-ons, and reports suggested the player was “believed to be set on a move to Anfield.” However, Arsenal’s academy, led by Per Mertesacker, moved decisively. They tabled a £200,000 bid with further add-ons, signalling serious intent to secure Wright’s signature. Personal terms remain to be agreed, but discussions are expected in the coming days.

Manchester City have also been monitoring Wright but, as The Daily Mail notes, “have yet to make a firm bid after adding Caelan-Kole Cadamarteri from Sheffield Wednesday for £1.5million.”

Liverpool’s Recruitment Strategy

For Liverpool, missing out on Wright will be a disappointment, particularly under new manager Arne Slot, who is preparing for his second season after a title-winning debut. Liverpool’s academy has been central to their success, regularly promoting young talent, and Wright appeared a natural fit. This deal serves as a reminder that the competition for emerging stars is fiercer than ever and that even elite clubs can be outmanoeuvred in the market.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report may sting a little, but it is hardly a cause for panic. While Will Wright is clearly a bright prospect, Liverpool’s track record of identifying and developing young talent gives fans confidence. Arne Slot’s setup has proven it can both win titles and bring through academy players when they are ready.

The fact that Wright was “believed to be set on a move to Anfield” suggests that the club had done good groundwork, but sometimes financial muscle or promises of quicker first-team chances tilt the scales. Arsenal’s aggressive approach under Mertesacker deserves credit, but Liverpool’s academy pipeline remains healthy, and missing out on one teenage striker does not derail their long-term planning.

Supporters will trust the recruitment team to continue monitoring similar talents and perhaps even circle back to Wright in a few years if he flourishes. For now, attention remains on reinforcing the first team and integrating those already knocking on the senior door at Kirkby.