Brilliant forward coming to Liverpool first team after Arsenal snub

Liverpool are reported to be in the running for a new striker this summer.

That might be a surprise to some supporters following last year’s transfer splurge. Around £200m went on Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak as Arne Slot’s new options at No9.

But for various reasons the Premier League champions will require more attackers through the door. Isak has been injured most of the season - and cannot be relied upon to be Slot’s only senior pick at centre-forward.

But right now that is the situation facing the 26-year-old with Ekitike laid low by injury. The Frenchman ruptured an achilles and isn’t expected back for around a year.

That’s why links with forwards make sense - with Richard Hughes reported to be eyeing up a deal for a bargain or a loan arrival.

Liverpool need a forward

Extra numbers are a necessity and the picture further down the age groups isn’t all positive either. Keyrol Figueroa looks set to move on when he contract expires in June while Jayden Danns is still searching for full fitness.

One option for Slot from the academy ranks could be to call up Will Wright. The 19-year-old has battled back from injury and is currently making waves with Rob Page’s under-21 side.

Signed from Salford last summer - under the noses of Arsenal - Wright has got some senior men’s football experience and could prove to be a useful addition to the first-team squad in the short and long term if Slot is minded to pick him.

According to Page - speaking to RedmenTV - Wright is a joy to work with and has what it takes to reach the top.

Will Wright coud be coming to LFC first team

"He's got the physicality in abundance,” he is reported to have said.

“There are parts of his game we want to work on. His link play can be a little bit better. But when you've got somebody of Will's attitude, he's brilliant to work with, because he just wants to learn every day. So, he's a joy to come in and be around. He's in a good place at the moment.

“His work rate (stands out). Having been a league manager and now working in academy football. Sometimes it can be called a false environment, but that's as real a game of football as you're going to get. And I think that's one of the biggest things I've tried to change the mentality and make it a bit more real, and Will thrives on it, because he's had that experience. He's played league football. He knows what's needed, and he drives the standards."

Wright recently struck twice in a friendly win against the i2i Academy - strengthening his case to step up to the first team.

With Isak leading the line - and Slot relying on the likes of Federico Chiesa and Cody Gakpo to fill in as required the teenage sharpshooter could be the man he turns to next.

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