Arsenal reportedly has won an agreement to 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers midfielder Victor Ozianbuna to sign what is expected to be a record fee for the Irish League Premier Division. The news comes the day after Ebebeki Eze was signed for £67.5 million as the Gunners’ seventh summer signature, passing the £250 million mark.
Eze is trying to protect the future by adding promising midfielder Ozianbuna as Mikel Arteta’s team scored five goals past Leeds on Sunday. The coming years are already bright after 15-year-old Max Dowman made his Premier League debut, made his bench and scored a penalty.
The Times claims that Ozianbuna has signed a pre-contract with Arsenal and will head to North London when she turns 18 in January 2027. It is expected to be higher than Mason Melia’s Tottenham’s £1.6 million deal earlier this year, making up the Irish record.
Ozianbuna, who already plays first team football as a Rovers winger, may complete his medical care and complete the move next week.
As EU citizens, teenagers will not be able to join Arsenal until they are 18, but the move is a product of an increase in gunners’ efforts to scout talent in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, led by technical director James Ellis and Merte Football Academy Manager.
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Club Bruges approached Rovers with a late counter offer, meaning Ozianbuna left early, and while Brexit rules allowed the Irish player to leave for Belgium by the age of 18, Dublin captivated Arsenal.
He and his family visit the club this year, and Arsenal will work with Rovers to ensure he receives an acceptable level of play time before heading to North London.
Ozhianvuna made his complete debut last month in a Fai Cup match against Wexford, scoring the winning goal. He has since made 20 senior appearances.
Tallaght’s talent was the first to catch Arsenal’s eye when Arsenal’s Under 14S won the Hale End Cup at Arsenal’s Academy and defeated several English teams, including the hosts.
Robers boss Stephen Bradley was in the Arsenal weight class under Liam Brady, but has since promoted him to the first team and has been impressed by the youngster’s performance.
Ozianbuna is expected to compete against the best talent in Ireland’s age group at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar starting in November.
