Arsenal Signs Liverpool Forward Vincent Joseph as Academy Rebuild Progresses
Arsenal are closing on the signing of highly rated Liverpool forward Vincent Joseph, striking an agreement with the 16-year-old while talks continue with the Merseyside club over compensation.
The teenager, out of contract at Liverpool, has agreed to join the Gunners this summer, according to reports by Jordan Campbell and James McNicholas for The Athletic. Arsenal must now settle a fee with Liverpool, and if the clubs cannot find common ground, a tribunal will set the figure, as required for players under 24.
Joseph has wasted little time making an impression in youth football. He broke into u18 Premier League action last season and scored three goals in just two appearances for Liverpool’s u18s. The step up, though, did not persuade him to extend his stay at Anfield, and his future now points firmly towards north London.
His numbers for England underline why Arsenal have moved. Joseph has hit eight goals in nine games for England u16s, all during the 2025/26 campaign, marking him out as one of the most productive young forwards in his age group.
Arsenal’s search for young strikers has been persistent. They lost out on Will Wright to Liverpool only last year, a setback that clearly sharpened their intent in this market. This time, they look to have landed their targets. The club have already agreed terms with Crystal Palace youngster Mylo Bernard and now with Joseph, giving their academy a fresh injection of attacking talent.
The overhaul does not stop there. Arsenal have already brought in Elijah Upson from Tottenham Hotspur this summer and are set to complete a deal for Axel Donczew from Cardiff City. Of the four, Donczew is the only player who was not out of contract, a detail that highlights a broader strategy: Arsenal are moving quickly to exploit stalled or failed negotiations at Premier League rivals and beyond.
For now, the final steps are clear. Joseph, Bernard and Donczew still need their moves completed and announced. Once they are, Arsenal’s academy forward line will look very different — and far more dangerous.
