Arsenal Nears Signing Salford Striker Will Wright Amid Liverpool Competition

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old striker Will Wright from Salford City, beating interest from Liverpool and other Premier League clubs. The transfer, reportedly involving a fee around £200,000 with add-ons, reflects Arsenal's strategy to strengthen their youth ranks under academy manager Per Mertesacker and head coach Mikel Arteta. Wright, who has made four senior appearances for Salford and impressed with a prolific youth goal-scoring record, is expected to feature mainly with Arsenal's U21s and U18s, and could have some first-team involvement. Arsenal's pursuit ended Liverpool's advanced talks, as the Gunners offered a more lucrative deal, while other clubs like Manchester City, Brentford, Leicester, and Burnley had shown interest. This move complements Arsenal's broader transfer activity, including the imminent signing of Viktor Gyokeres, as they seek to bolster their attacking options and compete more strongly in the Premier League. Separately, Real Madrid has withdrawn from a deal to sign Ajax youngster Abdellah Ouazane, who will not be joining the Spanish club this transfer window.