Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to sign 17-year-old forward Will Wright out of League Two outfit Salford City, with Liverpool also interested in signing the young Englishman.

But academy manager Per Mertesacker is leading the charge for reinforcements at youth level.

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The Athletic claim that Arsenal are trying to tie up a deal as part of Mertesacker's drive to bring elite talent into the academy, with Wright attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

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As a result of Arsenal's increased pursuit, Liverpool have cooled their interest.

Wright would be expected to contribute to both the Gunners' Under-18s and Under-21s next season, while also eligible to compete in the UEFA Youth League.

Wright made his Salford debut in January against Manchester City in the FA Cup and went on to play on two occasions in League Two before the end of the season.

He has already scored four times for Salford in pre-season.

The Sun claim that Liverpool had offered a six-figure fee, plus add-ons, to prise Wright away from Salford and beat the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Burnley to the exciting signing.

But Arsenal have blown them out of the water with a £250,000 offer and hope they have done enough to get a move over the line.

The 6ft 3inch striker scored over 50 goals at all levels for Salford last year, having been spotted playing for local sides Euxton Villa and Fylde.

Wright scored both goals in Salford's 2-2 draw with FC United of Manchester earlier this month and thanked boss Karl Robinson for handing him a start.

"It was good," he said.

We are getting the opportunity and gaining the experience and taking things back to the B team and the academy where we can influence them and hopefully bring more people through."

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