Edu masterclass! Arsenal close in on spectacular wonderkid signing

Tom Weber

• Updated: 4 Mar 2024 19:31 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are set to beat Premier League competition to the signing of Brayden Clarke, according to a report.

The 16-year-old Wolves wonderkid has already confirmed that he will depart his current club, though his final destination has not yet been officially announced. However, according to football.london, Arsenal are closing in on his signing.

"I want to thank everybody who has helped me along the journey and I wish all of my teammates at Wolves the best of luck for the future," the youngster wrote on his social media channels.

The Welsh youth international is a centre-back by trade and has lined up for Wolves' U18s this term, also featuring for his country at the U16 and U17 levels.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Man Utd target's value explodes and reaches record high

Arsenal are set to beat competition from at least four Premier League rivals for the highly-rated defender's signature. Crucially, the Gunners will reportedly not have to pay a compensation fee to acquire his services.

Clarke joining Hale End gems

At Arsenal, Clarke will line up alongside prospects such as Reuell Walters, James Sweet and Ayden Heaven, all of whom are held in high regard by Gunners first-team boss Mikel Arteta. The trio have already been called up for senior squads despite none of them being over the age of 20, illustrating to Clarke that there is a pathway to the first team.

In December, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Arsenal were stepping up their efforts of tying Walters down to a new deal. The 19-year-old England youth international, who is also eligible for Germany and Jamaica, is out of contract at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Arsenal step up bid for 32-goal striker as Toney tumbles down shortlist

Though three years Walters' junior, having Clarke waiting in the wings would ease the pain of a potential departure of the versatile defender who can feature centrally and out wide. Arsenal's future seems very bright indeed.