Arsenal are set to secure the signature of Salford City striker Will Wright, according to reports.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Gunners have “won the race” for the teenager and “documents are being prepared” ahead of an official announcement.
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Wright is expected to cost an initial £200,000, with another £200,000 believed to be due in performance-related add-ons.
The 17-year-old will link up with the academy setup at Hale End, with director Petr Mertesacker keen to add elite talent to his ranks.
Wright was close to joining another Premier League team
Up until the last few days, it was felt that the forward was closest to joining Liverpool. However, the Reds are said to have withdrawn their interest once the Gunners got involved.
The London club made the biggest bid for Wright, demonstrating their determination to land one of the brightest young talents in the country.
What do Arsenal fans need to know about the player?
As mentioned, Wright is a centre-forward by trade. He made his senior debut for Salford last season, playing the final 10 minutes of the EFL Trophy group fixture against Wolves Under 21s in November.
The youngster subsequently made a cameo appearance against Manchester City in the FA Cup in January, coming on just before injury time during the 8-0 defeat.
A month later, Wright was handed his first league appearance, coming on in the first half against Port Vale after Cole Stockton was forced off with an injury. He also came off the bench in the subsequent fixture versus Bradford City.
It’s likely that Wright will feature for the Under-21s in both Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy for the Gunners next season, but don’t rule him out from being selected in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup.
In other news, Romano has also confirmed that Arsenal have “booked” a medical ahead of a defender’s move to the Emirates