ARSENAL are leading the race to sign England under-17 star Mason Cotcher, with the forward on trial at the club.
Cotcher, 17, has been training with the Arsenal first-team as the Gunners look to woo the forward into signing for them, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Cotcher has become one of the most sought after young talents in the country after starring for Sunderland’s youth side.
The forward scored nine goals in 25 games for Sunderland’s under-18s and also featured in the FA Youth Cup for the Championship side.
Cotcher, who can play up front or out wide was an unused substitute for the Sunderland first team in their third round FA Cup clash with Shrewsbury last season.
He made his Arsenal under-18s debut against Middlesbrough in October and scored and assisted for the 18s in a game against Crystal Palace.
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During his training session with the first team yesterday, Cotcher was given a special training kit to indicate he was a trialist.
Arsenal have not yet made a decision on signing the youngster.
If Arsenal do opt to sign the forward after his trial, they will be required to go to a tribunal to decide on the fee owed to Sunderland for his services.
Arsenal are joined in the race to sign Cotcher by Scottish giants Rangers.
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If Rangers were to win the race to sign Cotcher, they would be required to pay a significantly lower fee than Arsenal owing to playing in a different league system to Sunderland.
Cotcher could also still sign for Sunderland on a scholarship deal but is understood to be interested in moving elsewhere.
Brighton have also expressed an interest in signing the youngster and have an excellent track record on bringing young players into their first team.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
