Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new striker throughout this summer, and they’re finally closing in on one.
The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins have been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, with Andrea Berta prioritising a prolific goalscorer.
Gyokeres is expected to sign in a £63 million deal, although the Gunners don’t appear to be satisfied with the Swede alone.
Looking to further bolster their striker department, Arsenal are now closing in on the signing of a young centre-forward.
Arsenal’s plan for new signing Will Wright
Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Will Wright from Salford City.
Despite hardly featuring at senior level yet, making just two appearances in League Two for Salford, the young striker has been extremely productive at youth level, prompting interest from the Gunners and Liverpool.
Nathan Butler Oyedeji and Khayon Edwards left Arsenal this summer, leaving the North London outfit short of number nines who can lead the line for their under-21s and under-18s.
According to The Athletic, this is the role Wright would be expected to play, splitting his time between these age groups, as well as featuring in the UEFA Youth League, which is essentially an under-19 team.
He is unlikely to feature in the first team in the foreseeable future, although this eventuality has not been ruled out if he proves to be good enough for the senior level immediately.
Per Mertesacker has been tasked with strengthening Arsenal’s youth ranks this summer, and has been given a small budget to do so.
The Salford star represents a major acquisition for Hale End, given Liverpool were also hot on the deal, and the Gunners will pay around £250,000 for his services, plus significant add-ons.
Andre Harriman-Annous could get first team opportunities
If Wright is only expected to feature in Arsenal’s youth teams next season, then this could mean another Hale End star could be granted first-team opportunities, or at least a place on the bench from time to time.
In a similar mould to Butler-Oyedeji last season, Andre Harriman-Annous could fill the role of being Mikel Arteta’s fourth-choice striker, behind Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino.
This would essentially mean he’d replace Gabriel Jesus in the squad, with the Brazilian expected to depart N5 once he returns from injury.
Harriman-Annous trained with the Arsenal first team in Spain over the last week, and is clearly the next striker up from Hale End.
Scoring eight goals in 12 under-18 Premier League appearances last season, he’s likely to be granted an opportunity to impress on tour, which could dictate how frequently he features in matchday squads next season.
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