Arsenal reach agreement to sign prolific Liverpool striker
Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Liverpool striker Vincent Joseph as the club continue strengthening their academy with leading young prospects.
The 16-year-old has agreed terms with Arsenal after deciding against signing scholarship terms at Liverpool following the expiry of his schoolboy registration, according to The Athletic.
Arsenal and Liverpool are now discussing a compensation package, with the fee potentially being determined by the Professional Football Compensation Committee if the clubs cannot reach an agreement.
Joseph has emerged as one of the more productive forwards in England’s age-group setup, scoring eight goals in nine appearances for the national Under-16 team.
The teenager also stepped up to Under-18 Premier League football for Liverpool last season and scored on his debut at that level against Sunderland in March.
Joseph, who can operate as a centre-forward or in an attacking-midfield role, had been part of Liverpool’s academy since 2018 and was also previously involved at youth level with Germany before representing England.
His arrival would represent another significant addition to Arsenal’s developing group of young players as the club increasingly look beyond Hale End for prospects capable of eventually reaching the senior squad.
Arsenal have also moved for Crystal Palace forward Mylo Bernard, another 16-year-old who has represented England alongside Joseph at Under-16 level.
Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew is also set to arrive after making history last October by becoming the Championship club’s youngest-ever first-team player.
The strategy follows Arsenal’s recent addition of 18-year-old defender Elijah Upson after his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, while the club have also pursued other highly regarded domestic prospects this summer.
Not every move has been successful, with Arsenal deciding against meeting Leicester City’s reported £10 million valuation of Jeremy Monga before the winger subsequently joined Manchester City.
Arsenal also lost England youth international Mishel Nduka to City after the midfielder rejected the opportunity to continue his development in north London.
Joseph’s expected arrival therefore represents an important addition as Arsenal attempt to supplement their own academy production by recruiting standout players from elsewhere.
There is already a clear example of how quickly opportunities can emerge at the Emirates Stadium, with Max Dowman and Marli Salmon among the teenagers to receive significant first-team exposure during pre-season.
Joseph remains considerably earlier in his development, but his international scoring record makes him an intriguing acquisition for Arsenal’s long-term plans.
The immediate priority is now for Arsenal and Liverpool to settle the compensation due for his development, although the transfer can still proceed through the tribunal process if an agreement cannot be reached.
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