Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign an exciting young attacker with the January transfer window still months away.
Arsenal have immediate targets in the 2025-26 season both domestically and in the Champions League, but clubs with long-term silverware plans need to look ahead to the future too.
The Gunners have announced the signing of Victor Ozhianvuna, a 16-year-old forward from League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers.
Ozhianvuna will join the North London club in January 2027, when he turns 18 years old.
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"The 16-year-old forward has already excelled at the senior level, making 16 first-team appearances for Shamrock Rovers in all competitions following his debut earlier this year," according to Arsenal's statement.
"In February, Victor became the second-youngest player to ever feature in the UEFA Conference League, coming on as a substitute in Shamrock Rovers’ second-leg intermediate stage fixture against Molde FK.
"His first goal came just a few months later in an FAI Cup second round victory against Wexford FC."
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The Tallaght-born teenager has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-15 and Under-18 levels.
He's a converted wing-back and has already built a reputation among those who've watched him closely as being the kind of talent who could play more or less anywhere.
"Everyone at Arsenal is excited to welcome Victor to the club in the near future," concludes the announcement.
"The transfer is subject to the competition of regulatory processes."
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Ozhianvuna is being managed carefully by his club and has come off the bench for all 13 of his League of Ireland appearances this season.
He's played the equivalent of two full matches in the league and is yet to score a league goal.
Arsenal lining up young Gunners
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are continuing to bring young players into the fold even as the need for immediate progress takes precedence.
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The current squad boasts a number of players who joined the club at various stages of their development, from 15-year-old Max Dowman to Cristhian Mosquera, a new signing shortly after turning 21 in the summer.
Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly all became first team regulars as teenagers.
Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Chris Nee