Arsenal tracking Adam Wharton

Arsenal representatives have opened talks to sign Championship team Blackburn Rovers' starlet Adam Wharton before the end of the transfer window, with a view to signing the player on a permanent basis, with an agreement for the player to return to Ewood Park on loan for the 2023/24 campaign. The 19-year-old has impressed since making his debut for Rovers in 2022.

Wharton, who is born and bred Blackburn, began his career at the club but first signed a professional deal in 2022 until 2025. With just 24 months remaining, Arsenal believe that they can test Rovers' resolve and sign Wharton on a deal worth around £12 million. The midfielder, who played 18 times in the Championship last season, scoring two goals, is the brother of Scott Wharton, but is held in much higher regard than his elder brother.

Wharton is a versatile player, able to play in defensive or attacking midfield, but his preferred position is in central midfield. At Blackburn, he is considered the best young player to emerge from the youth academy in more than a decade, and the club will try their best to persuade Adam to extend his stay at his hometown club.