Arsenal suffer major transfer blow as Chelsea set to win race for English wonderkid

Arsenal have lost out in their pursuit to sign Southampton wonderkid Jimmy-Jay Morgan, with the striker reportedly set to join Chelsea instead.

The Gunners were chasing 17-year-old Morgan, who has represented England at U16 and U17 level, after he told Southampton he wanted to leave the club, according to Sky Sports.

He rejected an offer of a first professional contract with St Mary's Stadium, where he was highly-rated by the coaching staff and is seen as one of the top young prospects in English football.

Morgan also trained with the first team on a number of occasions, and had earned his place in the matchday squad on a number of occasions this season. However, he did not make his senior debut for Nathan Jones' side.

He was linked with moves to Arsenal, Manchester City and Leeds, with all three clubs reportedly keen to add him to their age-group sides.

But all three teams have been beaten in the race by Chelsea, who are looking likely to seal a rather more quiet signing than the one that took Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge for a British transfer record fee yesterday.

Arsenal target set for Chelsea

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have agreed a fee of £6 million, plus add-ons, to sign the 17-year-old wonderkid from Southampton.

He tweeted: "Understand Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign the talented striker Jimmy Jay Morgan from Southampton - born in 2006, new one for the Academy.

"Fee close to 6m with add-ons, deal almost completed."

On the outgoings front, Chelsea allowed one of their young strikers to depart the club yesterday. Jude Soonsup-Bell joined Tottenham - the first deal completed between the two clubs for a player in 14 years.

The 19-year-old England youth international made one senior appearance for the Blues, and will now compete for a first team spot at the club's London rivals instead as he looks to make his way to the top level of football.