Arsenal are getting closer to the transfer Wolverhampton Wanderers academy teenager Brayden Clarke according to Football London.
The Gunners are keen to secure the services of the young defender without paying any compensation, in what is perceived as a bargain for the north London side.
The 16-year-old has featured in 10 games for Wolves U18s this season, providing assists and putting in top-class defensive displays for Richard Walker's side this season.
four first division Clubs are said to be interested in the Wales under-17 international, who has already announced his departure with a farewell message on social media.
However, Arsenal have won the race in the hope of coming to an end soon. The teenager is seen as a huge talent and proof of Arsenal's growing ambition to improve their talent pool at the Hale End academy for the foreseeable future.
The Welshman mainly operates in centre-back positions, but can also be used as a right-back. His versatility is similar to that of Ben White and Jakub Kiwior, both natural centre-backs who can comfortably operate in wider areas.
More young talents
Arsenal's Hale End Academy has been renowned for capturing young talent and turning them into world-class stars.
People like Héctor Bellerín, Emiliano Martínez, Serge Gnabry and Bukayo Saka They all rose through the ranks before playing prominent roles at the club. Although Martínez and Gnabry did not start brilliantly during their time in London, both players became one of the best players in their positions.
The Gunners are ready to bring back Clarke, considered a huge talent, one who could become an important player for the club in the coming years.
However, one problem remains: the number of viable opportunities offered to its young people. This has seen players such as Bradley Ibrahim, Omari Hutchinson, Harry Clarke and Luigi Gaspar leave the club in recent years.
With competition for places high, especially in central defence, it remains to be seen how Clarke will fit into the first team considering the astronomical qualities of William Saliba and Gabriel Margalhães, who still have years ahead of them to remain at the Emirates.
