Arsenal among top clubs eyeing Salford City’s rising star Will Wright
Salford City’s teenage talent Will Wright is attracting interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, as well as Leicester City and Birmingham City, amid growing speculation over a potential summer move, according to a fresh report.
The 16-year-old striker, who has already made his senior debut this season, is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in Salford’s ranks. Wright has scored over 40 goals for the club’s youth teams and signed a two-year scholarship deal last summer.
Born in Preston, the young forward is reportedly being monitored closely by several higher-tier sides, with Arsenal and Leicester believed to be leading the chase.
Wright’s breakthrough catching attention
Having progressed rapidly through Salford’s academy, Wright made his first-team debut in the EFL Trophy against Wolves’ under-21s in November. Since then, he’s earned minutes in League Two matches against Port Vale and Bradford City, while also featuring in a memorable FA Cup clash against Manchester City at the Etihad.
His impressive goal-scoring exploits at youth level have turned heads, and it’s no surprise that clubs further up the football pyramid are keeping tabs. Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reports that Arsenal’s academy scouts are tracking Wright’s development and considering a summer move as part of their long-term youth recruitment.
Leicester and Birmingham are also said to be monitoring the situation, and either could make an early approach in an effort to beat Arsenal to his signature.
Salford’s challenge to keep their young talent
Wright has certainly made an impact this season at the Peninsula Stadium and looks to have a bright future ahead. However, with interest from top-flight clubs growing, Salford will need to present a clear development pathway if they hope to keep him.
He has made four senior appearances and has featured on the bench in five of the Ammies’ last seven league matches. With Salford currently sitting 11th in League Two and play-off hopes fading, manager Karl Robinson may look to give Wright more opportunities in the closing stages of the season.
Wright has publicly praised Robinson for his faith in young players, but if Salford want to retain their starlet, they will likely need to show real intent by offering him regular minutes and a role in next season’s plans.
For a teenager with big aspirations, the lure of joining a Premier League academy like Arsenal’s may be hard to resist. If Salford hope to keep him, they must make a compelling case that staying put could be the best move for his continued development.
