Source:Anfield Watch
Liverpool have beaten Arsenal and Manchester City to the signing of 16-year-old Chelsea starlet Ryan McAidoo, according to reports.
There is an added focus on academy recruitment at Anfield this summer with Wolves youngster Alvin Ayman also close to signing for the Reds.
McAidoo, who has only just turned 16, featured at under-18 Premier League level for the Blues last season, playing four times in total.
He has opted to leave Stamford Bridge this summer for pastures new and a few weeks ago Fabrizio Romano claimed it was Arsenal who had made the best offer for the 2008-born youngster.
"Arsenal made proposal and they are currently leading the race to sign Ryan McAidoo, 2008 born talented forward," the transfer supremo wrote on X, formerly Twitter, earlier in June.
"He's expected to leave Chelsea this summer; best project proposal so far came from Arsenal. McAidoo played for England U16 and U17 this season."
However it appears as though Liverpool will land a significant transfer blow on the Gunners as well as City by clinching a deal for England under-17 international McAidoo, according to Reds Memorabilia with the news also mooted by The Secret Scout.
Interesting to see what happens with Ryan Mcaidoo after opting to leave Chelsea.
Reports today of Liverpool beating Arsenal but no confirmation.
Wouldn't surprise me if another rival comes in for him. https://t.co/oXT1Yh6g6N
- TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) June 27, 2024
The winger signed for the PLG agency earlier this year, which is run by Trent Alexander-Arnold's brother, Tyler. It also boasts fellow Reds Andy Robertson and Nat Phillips as clients.
He has also played in midfield for the Chelsea youth sides and won two under-17 caps back in March, against Northern Ireland and Hungary in UEFA Euro under-17 Championship qualification matches.
McAidoo, however, was not called up for the final squad.
He won silverware with the Blues last season, earning the Premier League under-17 cup against Wolves in the final back in April.
McAidoo is a left-footed attacker blessed with great dribbling technique and is dangerous in and around the opposition penalty area. He is capable of playing centrally, looking for one-twos and uses his electric speed and close control to go past markers.
This deal and the efforts to secore Ayman echo Liverpool's efforts to secure highly-rated academy talents from around the United Kingdom over the past few years with the likes of Ben Doak and Trey Nyoni being recruited.