Arsenal have confirmed the signing of promising youngster Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
The forward, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Ireland, will officially link up with the Gunners in January 2027. That is when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to make the move.
Arsenal’s focus on developing young stars
The club have built a reputation for signing talented players at a young age and helping them grow into senior stars.
Bukayo Saka is the leading example from the current squad, while Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have also progressed through the youth ranks.
Arsenal believe Ozhianvuna could follow a similar pathway. The youngster will join that growing list of exciting talents who were signed early and then developed either for the first team or for successful careers elsewhere.
According to reports, the deal is expected to cost the north London side around €2 million. If confirmed, this would represent a record fee paid for a player moving from the League of Ireland.
Ozhianvuna’s rise at Shamrock Rovers
Despite being only 16, Ozhianvuna has already played senior football on a regular basis. Since making his debut earlier this year, he has featured 16 times across all competitions for Shamrock Rovers.
He also made history in February when he appeared in the UEFA Conference League. By coming on as a substitute against Molde FK, he became the second youngest player to feature in that competition.
His first senior goal arrived later in the season. He scored in an FAI Cup second round tie against Wexford FC, marking another important step in his early career.
Ozhianvuna has also represented his country at youth level. He has earned nine appearances so far across the Republic of Ireland under-15 to under-18 teams, further underlining his status as one of the most highly rated young players in the country.
Arsenal will be hoping that his development continues at a steady pace before he makes the switch to England in two years’ time.
