Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Shamrock Rovers wonderkid Victor Ozhianvuna in a record-breaking deal for Irish football. The 16-year-old midfielder, already featuring in the League of Ireland’s Premier Division, will join the Gunners when he turns 18 in January 2027. The fee surpasses the record set by Tottenham’s move for compatriot Mason Melia earlier this year.
Ozhianvuna has completed his medical with Arsenal, and the agreement is now in place pending final signatures, per The Athletic. The fee will eclipse the £1.6m Tottenham paid St Patrick’s Athletic for Melia, setting a new Irish transfer record. Arsenal beat several top European clubs to secure the teenager’s signature after tracking his rise through Shamrock Rovers’ youth system.
Arsenal have been committed to expanding their recruitment network in Ireland, both Northern and the Republic. With academy manager Per Mertesacker and technical director James Ellis leading the charge, the Gunners are building strong ties with Shamrock Rovers, aided by their historic links through Stephen Bradley and Stephen McPhail.
Ozhianvuna has impressed in the League of Ireland despite his young age, making senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers last season. He will remain in Ireland until he turns 18 due to EU transfer regulations, with Arsenal trusting Rovers’ reputation for youth development to shape him further. The midfielder will become the latest in a long line of Irish talents to make the move to north London.
The transfer is expected to be signed off this week, with Ozhianvuna continuing his development at Shamrock Rovers until 2027. Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will keep close tabs on his progress before integrating him into their academy and youth squads. For now, he will look to gain more senior experience in Ireland before making the step up in England.
