Liverpool and England youth striker Vincent Joseph, 16, confirms departure as Arsenal agree transfer in major coup

VINCENT JOSEPH has confirmed his departure from Liverpool ahead of joining Arsenal. The striker, 16, turned down the chance to sign scholarship terms with the Reds this summer after coming through their academy. Arsenal are set to sign youngster Vincent Joseph after he left Liverpool Credit: Getty The England youth international is instead set to join the Gunners and has paid tribute to Liverpool ahead of the switch. Joseph wrote on Instagram: “After nine unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! “Thank you for the memories, and for making my time here truly special. YNWA.” The signing of the striker will be a coup for Arsenal given he has scored eight goals in nine appearances for England’s Under-16s. Joseph also netted three goals in two appearances for Liverpool’s Under-18 Premier League side, despite playing for them as a schoolboy. Arsenal have made a point of trying to bolster their academy sides with top talent this summer after poor performances. Axel Donczew, the youngest player to ever represent Cardiff, has joined the club and is tipped for a big future. Striker Mylo Bernard, who is also 16, has arrived from Crystal Palace after rejecting their offer of scholarship terms. Most read in Sport The youngster will work under Arsenal’s academy chief Pascal De Maesschalck Credit: Getty Joseph will add to Arsenal’s growing talent alongside the likes of Max Dowman Credit: Getty Arsenal made some changes to the academy over the 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. Joseph’s arrival would add to the growing talent Arsenal have at their disposal under Mikel Arteta. Starlet Max Dowman, 16, just scored a brace to inspire Arsenal’s 4-2 win at Ipswich in the Carabao Cup third round. The Gunners also have the likes of Marli Salmon and Andre Harriman-Annous coming through the ranks. Comment now