Arsenal Agrees Record Irish Transfer for Victor Ozhianvuna

Arsenal have agreed a record-breaking transfer deal with Shamrock Rovers for 16-year-old midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna, who will join the Premier League club upon turning 18 in January 2027. The fee is expected to surpass the previous Irish transfer record set by Tottenham Hotspur's signing of Mason Melia. Ozhianvuna is a versatile, right-footed attacking midfielder who often plays on the left and has already made senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers, impressing with his technical and physical abilities. Arsenal's recruitment strategy has focused on expanding their scouting network in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with key roles played by technical director James Ellis and academy manager Per Mertesacker, supported by strong ties with Shamrock Rovers management. The club plans to allow Ozhianvuna to continue developing at Shamrock Rovers for the next 16 months before his move, reflecting confidence in the Irish club's youth development. This signing aligns with Arsenal's ongoing emphasis on nurturing young talent, following recent breakthroughs by academy graduates like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.