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Arsenal announce the signing of 16-year-old Wales starlet from a Premier League rival - with highly-rated defender immediately named in Jack Wilshere's line-up for their U18 side

Related Topics: Arsenal, Leon Clarke, Jack Wilshere

Arsenal have signed a promising 16-year-old central defender from the youth team of one of their Premier League rivals.

The senior side currently lead the race for the English top-flight title, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, and a point clear of third-placed Manchester City.

The young Gunners reached the final of the FA Youth Cup last year, which they lost to West Ham, and they have bolstered their up-and-coming squad by swooping for a new addition from another Premier League's academy.

Brayden Clarke, 16, joins Arsenal as a first year scholar, having spent his early years with the Wolves academy, according to the Gunners website.