Liverpool drag Arsenal to transfer tribunal over Nigerian-born 16-year-old prodigy

Liverpool and Arsenal are heading for a tribunal after failing to reach an agreement over compensation for highly-rated 16-year-old striker Vincent Joseph.

The Nigerian-born prospect has chosen to leave Anfield for the Premier League champions, but the two clubs remain divided over the fee payable to Liverpool.

Joseph had already made the step up to Liverpool's Under-18 side despite his young age and was offered a scholarship by the club.

However, the teenager declined the proposal, which had to be signed by July 1, amid interest from several major European clubs.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund were among those reportedly monitoring the striker, but Arsenal ultimately won the race for his signature.

The Gunners' pursuit of the teenage number nine has now created a dispute with Liverpool over compensation.

The two Premier League giants held discussions to determine a suitable fee but were unable to reach common ground, leaving a tribunal as the next step in resolving the disagreement.

The dispute bears similarities to another recent case involving Liverpool and a young player. Rio Ngumoha, a 17-year-old England youth international, joined Liverpool from Chelsea after the clubs also failed to agree on compensation.

That case eventually went before a tribunal, which ordered Liverpool to pay Chelsea £2.8m, which could rise through add-ons to £4m, while the Blues will also be owed 20% of the profit if Ngumoha is sold.

Liverpool will therefore hope for a similarly significant compensation package from Arsenal if Joseph's case reaches the same conclusion.

The teenager has an intriguing family background, holding English, German, and Nigerian heritage. He is also the younger brother of Valentin Joseph, who recently joined Brighton and is regarded as another promising young talent.

With Arsenal having secured Joseph's services and Liverpool refusing to accept the compensation proposed, the tribunal will now determine the financial value of one of English football's emerging teenage prospects.

For Arsenal, the dispute could ultimately prove worthwhile if Joseph develops into the prolific striker his early performances suggest he can become.