Arsenal to beat Liverpool to 40-goal academy striker after usurping rivals with improved bid

According to The Sun, Arsenal have submitted a bid of £250,000 with add-ons and are now expected to wrap up a deal for Wright ahead of rivals Liverpool. The Reds were said to be in advanced talks with Salford over the youngster, who scored more than 40 goals at academy level last season, but their offer of £100,000 plus incentives has been beaten by the Gunners.

17-year-old Wright made his senior Salford debut back in January during an 8-0 FA Cup defeat to Man City, though he only played a few minutes at the end of the contest. He went on to make two more substitute appearances in League Two for the club which is owned by Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville.

Wright has already scored three goals in four pre-season games this summer, including a double in a 2-2 draw with FC United of Manchester.

Arsenal are also making moves to keep their brightest talents at the Emirates Stadium, with Ethan Nwaneri now set to sign a new long-term contract after enjoying a breakout campaign in 2024-25, scoring nine goals and adding another two assists in all competitions.