Arsenal have sealed a deal to complete the signing of 17-year-old Salford City starlet Will Wright. SoftFootball confirmed Liverpool dropped out of the race for the young forward.
Arsenal have reportedly offered £250,000 plus add-ons for striker Wright report the Sun blowing Liverpool’s bid of £100,000 plus add-ons out of the water.
Wright only made his first-team debut against Manchester City in January, making two League Two appearances at the back end of last season.
Wright scored over 50 goals across age groups for Salford last season and is in the second year of a scholarship at the club, having been spotted playing for non-league sides Euxton Villa and Fylde. A move to the Emirates would therefore represent a massive step up for the young man.
The signing of Wright is an example of Arsenal’s new youth strategy under academy manager Per Mertesacker, who has been given a ‘dedicated budget’ to purchase the best youth talent. Wright comes right under that bracket and will be expected to play for Arsenal’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides if he arrives in north London.
Confirming the transfer, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano wrote on his X handle:
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal have agreed deal to sign 17 year old talented striker Will Wright, documents being prepared.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2025
Arsenal won the race despite interest from several clubs. pic.twitter.com/OK5UOyArhj
The Gunners are still searching for a striker for their first team as they are yet to complete a deal for Sweden star, Viktor Gyokeres.
Softfootball had been following Gyokeres transfer saga as the two clubs involved are yet to agree on bonus payment method despite agreeing to a total transfer fee. Arsenal has agreed a €73.5m transfer fee with Sporting Lisbon for striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old has been a long term target for the Gunners as they look to fix the striking position after ending last season without a recognisable target man which forced Arteta to play Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in that position.
According to football transfer expert, David Ornstein, his sources in Lisbon have confirmed that the Portuguese club have reached an agreement with the Gunners for Gyokeres. The deal is worth €63.5m guaranteed fee plus €10m add-ons.
