Arsenal weigh up transfer battle to sign teenage striker with Manchester City and Liverpool | OneFootball

Manchester City are now braced for competition from Arsenal in the race to sign one of the English Football League’s most highly-rated striker talents, according to reports.

City’s summer of talent identification continues as the club keeps one eye firmly on long-term recruitment within the English market. Their latest focus appears to be on one of the Football League’s most exciting attacking prospects — but they are not alone in their admiration.

City are believed to be keen admirers of 17-year-old Salford City striker Will Wright, who has risen to prominence this year, particularly following a string of impressive performances in pre-season friendlies over the last few days and weeks.

The teenager’s sharpness in front of goal, combined with a confident presence and technical ability, has reportedly alerted top-flight scouts from multiple clubs. Youth recruitment has remained a consistent feature of City’s broader sporting project, with the club often moving aggressively to sign standout talents before their value accelerates.

But the race for Will Wright may prove more complex, with several direct Premier League rivals now making their own moves.

According to the information of MailSport’s Simon Jones, Arsenal checked on Salford City’s teenage striker talent as recently as last week, as they consider entering the battle with Liverpool and Manchester City for the 17-year-old.

The report points out that Wright scored in Salford’s friendly against York City – his fourth goal in a week – before the match was abandoned after a teammate was allegedly racially abused.

It is detailed that scouts from the Emirates Stadium ran the rule over Will Wright but it is the Anfield club who remain in pole position, having already lodged an offer of around £100,000 with a further £200,000 in add-ons.

City’s own level of involvement remains undisclosed, but the player’s profile would align with the club’s ongoing strategy of acquiring high-potential teenagers from within the domestic game.

With uncertainty still surrounding several young attacking players in City’s youth ranks — including potential loan decisions and long-term pathway clarity — adding another prolific youth forward may help bolster internal competition.

Should Arsenal choose to formalise their interest, however, the battle for Wright’s signature could quickly become more intense. Liverpool’s early offer and track record with young British players may appeal to the striker’s camp, while Arsenal’s growing reputation for integrating youth under Mikel Arteta might present another compelling option.

For now, it appears Manchester City are carefully monitoring developments, but will need to move swiftly if they wish to outpace rivals in what could soon become a full-scale three-club tug-of-war.