How Liverpool swiped ‘prolific’ Will Wright after Arsenal had deal agreed
Liverpool have swooped in to steal the talented Will Wright out of the grasp of Arsenal despite a deal having been previously agreed between the two parties.
The Reds have been on a mission to strengthen their squad as they vie to defend their Premier League crown.
Arne Slot has broken the bank to bring in reinforcements including Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
In the full-back position, long-term servant Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid as Anfield welcomed the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
It is looking like an empire is being forged in Merseyside as the club look to challenge across all competitions next season.
The league champions are also still in the hunt for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak but, their attention has now turned to Salford City striker Wright.
Liverpool beat Arsenal to Wright
According to David Ornstein (29 July), the Reds have reached an agreement to sign the 17-year-old from Salford.
The Athletic (17 July) had previously reported that Arsenal had agreed a deal for the forward worth around £200,000 plus add-ons.
Yet, Ornstein and the Athletic understand that personal terms were not set in stone with the Gunners, which the Reds secured.
Conversely, the “prolific goalscorer” preferred staying in the North West rather than move to the capital, looking to build on his two appearances in League Two last campaign.
Liverpool like a magnet this summer for players
Football Insider verdict
The progress made with the Salford City forward highlights the immense pull the Merseyside club have over rivals such as Arsenal.
Slot’s success in his first season in charge was indicative of the direction of Fenway Sports Group who seek to establish a legacy both domestically and in Europe.
They beat Newcastle to the signing of their new French striker as well as batting away Man City to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
What is being built at Anfield should frighten every team in the league, given the club’s ease to attract players from all over Europe.
Additionally, the forward planning of sporting director Richard Hughes is highly commendable.
Agreeing the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia a year ago paved the way for the sale of Caoimhin Kelleher, improving the goalkeeper position.
The likely addition of Wright adds to this superb long-term thinking as the Reds consider their youth talent as well as their first-choice XI.
For the 17-year-old, having the ability to work under Rob Page with the Under-21s will be ideal, keeping an eye on making the senior team one day.