Arsenal snap up Chido Obi replacement as Gunners 'agree deal' ahead of Prem rivals

Arsenal are hoping to bounce back from losing Chido Obi last year by adding another attacking prodigy to their academy. Obi tore up the Gunners' youth ranks, setting a new record for goals scored in a single Under-18 season with 27 before rejecting a senior contract and joining Manchester United.

The move has so far paid dividends for the teenager, who was handed seven Premier League appearances last season. And it has left Arsenal with big boots to fill as they look to secure the next up-and-coming forward who could compete with Kai Havertz and incoming signing Viktor Gyokeres in the years to come.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners have agreed a deal to sign Salford City starlet Will Wright. Unlike Obi, who was still strictly a youth player when he was terrorising academy defences dressed in red and white, Wright already has senior experience under his belt.

The 17-year-old played four first-team games last campaign - two in League Two, one in the FA Cup and another in the EFL Trophy. On top of that, Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on him during pre-season.

Scouts were believed to be in attendance when Wright netted in a friendly with York City last week, making it four goals in three pre-season games. And they moved swiftly to agree a fee of around £200,000, according to reports.

Although Wright may have to fight his way into the first-team picture at the Emirates, landing him will be seen as a coup by Mikel Arteta and his staff.

Liverpool have been mowing down all opposition on and off the pitch over the last 12 months. And they were previously leading the race for Wright before Arsenal muscled in and agreed a deal ahead of them. The Reds were one of 'several clubs' who had entered the race for the teenage striker before the path cleared to north London.

Arsenal have already had a productive summer transfer window after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title for a third consecutive season. Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are through the door and more are set to follow.

Deals for Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Gyokeres have also been agreed. And Wright, who scored over 50 goals across all levels last season, could join them by the time Arsenal get their pre-season campaign up and running against AC Milan next week.