Arsenal have reached an agreement with England youth international striker Vincent Joseph to join the club from Liverpool, according to reporting by Jordan Campbell and James McNicholas for The Athletic. The two clubs are currently in talks over a fee settlement for the 16-year-old forward, who is out of contract at Anfield.
Vincent Joseph Transfer Terms and Tribunal Risk
According to The Athletic, if Arsenal and Liverpool cannot agree on a compensation fee, the matter will be decided by a tribunal. Because Joseph is 16 and moving before signing his first professional contract, Liverpool are due compensation under football regulations. The Professional Football Compensation Committee considers multiple factors in such cases, including the player’s age, playing record, time spent at the former club, and the status of both teams.
Joseph made his breakthrough into under-18 Premier League football last season, scoring three goals in two appearances for Liverpool. He also scored eight goals in nine games for England’s under-16 side during the 2025/26 campaign. However, he did not sign scholarship terms at Anfield following the expiration of his schoolboy registration contract.
Academy Recruitment Drive and Rival Club Capitalization
According to The Athletic, the move for Joseph is part of Arsenal’s broader drive to recruit emerging talent for their academy. The north London club aims to add promising players who can break into the first squad or generate future transfer revenue. Arsenal have similarly agreed terms with Crystal Palace’s 16-year-old striker Mylo Bernard, whose schoolboy registration contract has also expired.
Arsenal are also set to complete the signing of Cardiff City’s youngest-ever player, Axel Donczew. Donczew, 16, became Cardiff’s youngest first-team representative when he debuted against Newport County in the EFL Trophy in October at 15 years and 234 days old, according to The Athletic. Unlike the other teenage arrivals, Donczew was not out of contract this summer, signaling Arsenal’s intent to capitalize on situations at rival clubs.
Recent Academy Influxes and Departures
According to The Athletic, Arsenal previously pursued teenage winger Jeremy Monga, but stepped away after feeling Leicester City’s £10 million ($13.3m) valuation was too high; Monga subsequently joined Manchester City in July. Additionally, Arsenal’s own 16-year-old England youth international Mishel Nduka turned down a new deal and also moved to City. On the incoming side, Arsenal completed the signing of 18-year-old Elijah Upson—son of Matthew Upson—following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur.
Did You Know?
Under FA and Premier League rules, clubs must pay training compensation for players under 24 who leave upon the expiry of their registration. If clubs cannot agree on the amount, the case goes to the Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a tribunal involved in Vincent Joseph’s transfer?
According to The Athletic, a tribunal is necessary because Joseph is 16 and moving clubs after his schoolboy registration contract expired without signing a professional or scholarship deal, making compensation mandatory.
Which other players are joining Arsenal’s academy?
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed deals for Mylo Bernard from Crystal Palace and Axel Donczew from Cardiff City, alongside the acquisition of Elijah Upson from Tottenham Hotspur.
How many international goals has Vincent Joseph scored?
According to The Athletic, Joseph has scored eight goals in nine appearances for England’s under-16 national team.
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