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Arsenal have emerged as the favourites to sign Sunderland striker Sam Greenwood.

At just 16, Greenwood is yet to play first-team football for the Black Cats but he is a free agent this summer and already his exploits have caught the attention of rival clubs. Greenwood scored 21 goals in 26 games for Sunderland’s under-16 and under-18 teams last season, and is part of England’s highly-rated youth set-up as an Under-16 international.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Stuttgart and Manchester United are among those to have taken notice, but the Gunners are reported to be favourites to sign the teenager.

Arsenal are looking to reinvigorate their youth teams after the departure of long-serving manager Arsene Wenger.

Greenwood has refused a contract at the Stadium of Light, but the Wearsiders would receive a development fee were he to move on.

Sunderland’s academy has had a successful few years, with Jordan Henderson impressing for England at the World Cup, where goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is one of only two players, along with John Stones, to have appeared in all three games so far for the Three Lions in Russia.

Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011, and Pickford moved to Everton last summer, but ten Academy of Light graduates appeared for the first team last summer.

WHile their League One status will make it easier to give opportunities to some players others, such as Greenwood, will be looking to play at a higher level.