Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer window continues, with Mikel Arteta’s side having agreed a record midfielder move a week before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners have made an excellent start to the season, overcoming Manchester United 1-0 away from home in the Premier League before sweeping to a 5-0 win over Leeds at the Emirates on Saturday.
Arteta’s new arrivals have hit the ground running, with Viktor Gyokeres notably bagging a double during the thumping North London success at the weekend.
Arsenal have spent around €240 million on new signings during this window, the latest of which was unveiled as Eberechi Eze on Saturday, and they are already plotting future moves.
In this case, Arteta’s side have tied up a move for January 2027 in a deal that shows how far in advance the club is planning.
Shamrock Rovers teen Victor Ozhianvuna has agreed to join the Gunners in a deal worth at least €2 million – which is a record for a League of Ireland player, The Irish Independent reports.
Aged only 16, he can only join Arsenal in 2027, once he has turned 18. Nevertheless, the Ireland U17 international, who has 15 top-team appearances to his credit, has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal with the Premier League club.
The Irish side have been entrusted the player’s development until he joins Arsenal, according to The Athletic.
Expert opinion: Victor Ozhianvuna
League of Ireland expert Ronan Murphy has told FootballTransfers that there is much for Arsenal fans to be excited about with the arrival of Ozhianvuna.
“Brexit rules have meant that players like Victor Ozhianvuna are staying in Ireland longer and getting a taste of senior men’s football before joining English teams. Previously, the best Irish youngsters went to academies in England in their teenage years but now have to wait until they are adults before moving,” Murphy explained.
“Ozhianvuna is one of these young stars benefitting, as he has been given regular minutes in the Shamrock Rovers first team despite being 16 years old. A bright attacking midfielder, he can play anywhere across the field and boasts excellent technical skills as he often looks to take on an opponent and beat him with trickery.
“Arsenal will have to wait for his arrival, but that should allow him more time to develop in Dublin and get experience in European games with Shamrock Rovers.”
