Liverpool have announced the signing of Will Wright from Salford City.
The 17-year-old striker was also attracting interest from Arsenal, but opted to join the Premier League champions in a deal worth £200,000.
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Standard Sport understands that the Gunners were keen on the striker and at one point looked favourites to sign him.
But Wright was sold on Liverpool’s long-term development plan, while geographical reasons also played a part. It is understood that the teenager’s decision was not driven by money.
Wright made his debut for Salford in November 2024 and is highly rated in the English game.
The teenager has already made his debut for Liverpool’s U21s.
A club statement read: “Wright ... earlier this year played once in the Emirates FA Cup and twice in League Two.
“He linked up with Rob Page’s Liverpool U21s squad last week and made his first appearance on Saturday, featuring for the final half-hour of a goalless draw with Hull City at the Academy.”
