Arsenal confirm 'outstanding' striker signing after Liverpool transfer message

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Vincent Joseph following his departure from Liverpool.

The England Under-16 international has agreed first-year scholarship terms in north London and joined the Gunners’ academy setup.

Joseph rejected a similar offer from Liverpool, having spent the last nine years in their youth ranks and impressed at U18 level last season.

Ahead of his switch to Arsenal, the player wrote on Instagram on Wednesday: “After nine unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye.

“Thank you for the memories, and for making my time here truly special. YNWA.”

Joseph’s move to the Emirates Stadium has now been made official, with Arsenal saying in a statement to announce his arrival: “Everyone at Arsenal would like to welcome Vincent to the club and looks forward to seeing him in action for us this season and beyond.”

Joseph is a highly-rated talent, having scored eight goals in nine appearances for England’s U16s. He also netted three times in two outings for Liverpool’s U18s last term.

He has already played with Arsenal youngsters Emerson Nwaneri - younger brother of Ethan Nwaneri - and Charlie Phillips at international level.

Arsenal added: “Our new striker will be hoping to help us chase trophies at Academy level this season, and his outstanding goalscoring record could prove important in such a push.”

Joseph becomes the latest in an increasingly long line of players to swap between the academies of two of England’s biggest clubs, continuing a growing trend seen over recent years.

Arsenal have put a renewed focus on youth recruitment this summer, having last week confirmed a pre-contract agreement for Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili - AKA the next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - to join the club in 2027.

They also completed an initial £1million deal for Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon, having also raided Manchester United for the signings of both James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.

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Arsenal also agreed deals for Cardiff youngster Axel Donczew and Crystal Palace forward Mylo Bernard.