Arsenal are set to strengthen their academy ranks further after agreeing a deal in principle to sign teenage striker Joseph from Premier League rivals Liverpool, according to reports from The Athletic.
The move follows Joseph's decision not to sign scholarship terms at Anfield after his schoolboy registration contract with Liverpool expired this summer. That development left him free to explore his options elsewhere, and Arsenal have moved swiftly to secure his signature.
While personal terms appear to be in place, the two north London and Merseyside clubs are still locked in discussions over an appropriate transfer fee for the 16-year-old forward. Because Joseph is under 24 and has not put pen to paper on a professional contract with Liverpool, any dispute over compensation would ultimately be settled by a tribunal panel if the clubs cannot find common ground.
Joseph's underage exploits have not gone unnoticed. He has been a prolific scorer for England's under-16 side, netting eight goals in nine appearances at that level. He also featured for Liverpool's under-18 side in the Premier League last season, scoring three times in just two outings — numbers that highlight the goal-scoring instinct that has made him such a sought-after target.
According to Joseph's father, the transfer is effectively agreed in all but formal paperwork.