Arsenal Plans Record €2M Signing of Irish Teen Midfielder

Arsenal have agreed a record-breaking transfer deal to sign 16-year-old Irish midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers, with the player set to join the club in January 2027 when he turns 18, due to Brexit regulations restricting younger Irish players from moving to England. The deal, reportedly worth at least €2 million with add-ons potentially exceeding €4 million, surpasses the previous League of Ireland transfer record set by Tottenham's signing of Mason Melia. Ozhianvuna, who has made around 15-20 senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers and scored key goals, has already completed his medical and is expected to finalize the contract soon. Despite interest from other clubs like Club Brugge, Ozhianvuna has chosen Arsenal, having visited the club multiple times and met with academy chief Per Mertesacker. The move is part of Arsenal's long-term strategy to strengthen their academy and scouting network in Ireland, echoing their tradition of bringing through Irish talent. Arsenal plans to work with Shamrock Rovers to ensure Ozhianvuna continues his development with regular game time before his arrival in London.