Arsenal agree deal to sign Liverpool and England youth striker Vincent Joseph, 16, in major academy coup

ARSENAL are working to complete the signing of wonderkid Vincent Joseph. The striker, 16, left Liverpool earlier this summer after turning down the chance to sign scholarship terms. Pascal De Maesschalck is at the helm of Arsenal’s academy Credit: Getty The Belgian is on the verge of signing top teenage talent Vincent Joseph from Liverpool Credit: Getty The Gunners have an agreement in place with the teenager over personal terms but must agree a settlement fee with Liverpool. If the two clubs are unable to come to an agreement then a tribunal will take place to determine what the reds are owed. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! The Professional Football Compensation Committee will be tasked with deciding the fee should negotiations bear no fruit. The PFCC sets a transfer figure for players under the age of 24 who move clubs before signing a professional contract or after the expiration of such a deal. Multiple factors will be taken into consideration by the PFCC should Arsenal and Liverpool fail to reach an agreement, including Joseph’s age and the time he was at Liverpool. Joseph would be an impressive signing for Arsenal and he has scored eight goals in nine appearances for England’s Under-16s. He also bagged three goals in two appearances for Liverpol’s Under-18 Premier League side. The Gunners are working hard to bolster their academy sides this summer after poor performances in recent years. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Per Mertesacker left his role as head of Arsenal’s academy at the end of last season Credit: GETTY Axel Donczew, the youngest player to ever represent Cardiff, is set to join the club. Striker Mylo Bernard, who is also 16, is also making his way to the Emirates after turning down the chance to stay with Crystal Palace. Arsenal have made some changes to the academy this summer and Pascal De Maesschalck is now running the show. The Belgian replaced Per Mertesacker, who left at the end of last season, and reports into sporting director Andrea Berta. Recruiting the best young talent around is a key part of Arsenal’s plan to improve their youth sides. There is a desire to bring in British players, as they can arrive at 16, but the club are looking abroad, too. And Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero will join next year once 18. Comment now