Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of 16-year-old Liverpool striker Vincent Joseph.
The highly-rated forward opted not to extend his contract with the Reds and has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal. The two clubs are now negotiating compensation, with the matter potentially heading to a tribunal if an agreement cannot be reached, according to The Athletic.
Joseph has impressed during his time at Liverpool and has also caught the eye while representing England at youth level. Losing such a promising prospect to a Premier League rival will undoubtedly be frustrating for the Reds.
Arsenal targeting more teenage talents
Joseph is not the only young player Arsenal are pursuing. The Gunners are reportedly preparing to sign Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, while Mylo Bernard is also expected to join the north London club.
Arsenal recently missed out on another highly-rated youngster, Jeremy Monga, who chose to leave Leicester City for Manchester City earlier this summer.
With transfer fees continuing to rise, investing in academy prospects has become increasingly important. Arsenal have already benefited from developing players such as Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have also impressed during pre-season.
If Joseph and the other young recruits continue to develop, Arsenal could eventually have future first-team stars within their ranks—or potentially generate significant profits from their sales.
