Arsenal ‘pushing to complete deal for Salford City wonderkid’ – as Premier League rivals Liverpool ‘withdraw from race for teenage forward’

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Salford City’s teenage forward Will Wright, after Liverpool ended their interest.

Mail Sport reported this week that the Gunners had checked in with the League Two club last week over Wright. 

The 17-year-old had been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Man City.

Liverpool had been in pole position with the reigning champions having lodged an offer of around £100,000 with a further £200,000 in add-ons.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool’s pursuit has now ended with Arsenal pushing to secure Wright’s signing.

The forward has reportedly been targeted as part of Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker’s push to sign elite talent, with the former defender given a budget to strengthen their youth teams.

The Gunners pursuit is part of academy manager Per Mertesacker’s bid to sign elite talent

Wright would reportedly feature for both Arsenal’s Under-21s and 18s if he signs for the club

Wright would reportedly feature for both the Under-18s and 21s should he move to Arsenal and continue his progress.

The teenager scored in Salford’s friendly at York City last Friday, his fourth goal in a week, before the game was abandoned after a Salford player was allegedly racially abused. 

Arsenal scouts had been in attendance at the match to watch Wright.

Wright netted his fourth goal in a match, following a brace against FC United of Manchester and an effort against Ashton United, with both games ending in 2-2 draws. 

The forward made his senior debut as a late substitute in Salford’s 8-0 defeat by Man City in the FA Cup in January.

He has since made three more appearances for the club’s first team.