Arsenal 'fend off' Newcastle United to secure Wolves transfer

Arsenal are reportedly close to completing the permanent signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Brayden Clarke after fending off interest from other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.

The 16-year-old defender, who joined Wolves aged nine, has already posted a farewell message to the Old Gold. "The time has come for me to move onto a new chapter. I want to thank everybody who has helped me along the journey and I wish all my teammates at Wolves the best of luck for the future," Clarke wrote via Instagram last week.

Football London reports Arsenal are set to secure Clarke's services, with the Wales Under-17 international closing in on a move to the Emirates Stadium. Wolves, albeit the club receiving credit for bringing Clarke through, won't receive any compensation from the Gunners. It's claimed Arsenal have beaten four Premier League teams to make their latest academy recruit.

Clarke recently underwent a short trial at Newcastle United as he started and provided an assist in a game against Sunderland Under-18s. The Magpies have failed to convince the youngster to complete a move to Tyneside, though, as he's opted for North London instead.

The Welshman leaves Wanderers having made 18 appearances in the Under-18 Premier League across the past three seasons. Capable of playing at centre-back or right-back, he could one day provide Arsenal some useful versatility in defence.