Arsenal next transfer set to be wonderkid with 'super strength'

The next piece of transfer business that Arsenal look set to complete is the signing of highly rated centre-back Brayden Clarke from Wolves in a bargain deal for the North London outfit.

Football.London reports that the Gunners are 'closing in' on a deal for Clarke, who already posted a farewell message on social media last week. The 16-year-old would sign for Arsenal without a compensation fee being paid.

Clarke has made 10 appearances for the Wolves under-18 side this term and is part of the Welsh under-17 set-up as he works his way up the football ladder. At least four Premier League clubs are said to have been interested in the star, branded as a 'wonderkid', including Newcastle United.

Writing on social media last week, Clarke said: "After seven years at Wolves, the time has come for me to move on to a new chapter. 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."

Clarke's departure had been confirmed but it is only now that signs of Arsenal triumph in the transfer race have emerged. The teenager was part of the Wales under-17 squad when just 15 years old, being moved up an age group thanks to his talent. That promotion earned the player the praise of Wolves elite player development manager Darren Ryan.

Ryan told the Express and Star: "It's a massive achievement, especially playing in the year above. He was probably disappointed he didn't get as much minutes, but he's only just come back from injury, so it's a fantastic achievement for Brayden. To make history is fantastic. What an opportunity now to go play for his country in a tournament.

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"We've always seen his potential and he's very good technically. He plays through the lines really well and he's very comfortable on the ball. Where he's developed a lot is his maturity and psychologically. He's a really young kid, so it's one massive achievement that he's got into that group, let alone the impact he's had.

"His super strength is his passing through the lines, and his disguised passes as well. The way he's developed in the last 12-18 months, I've seen a big change in him getting more confident."