Premier League giants Arsenal have completed a record-breaking deal to sign 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers attacker Victor Ozhianvuna.
Ozhianvuna will move to Arsenal when he turns 18 for a guaranteed fee believed to be in the region of €2m, with the potential for an even bigger payday with add-ons and a reported 20% sell-on clause.
The fee eclipses the deal to bring St Patrick's Athletic striker Mason Melia to Tottenham, with the Wicklow teenager set to complete his move to Spurs in January of next year for an initial payment of €1.7m.
Like Melia, the current Brexit rules preclude Ozhianvuna from officially joining any British clubs until he turns 18. He will link up with Arsenal in the January 2027 transfer window and remain with Rovers until then.
Long considered one of the hottest prospects in the League of Ireland, Ozhianvuna has already impressed at the senior level, making 16 first-team appearances for the Hoops in all competitions following his debut earlier this year.
Ozhianvuna became the second youngest player to ever feature in the UEFA Conference League, coming off the bench in Rovers' play-off second leg against Molde, helping the Hoops qualify for the group stage of the competition.
Rovers confirmed the deal in a statement on their official website, which read: "Shamrock Rovers FC confirms that an agreement has been reached with Arsenal FC for the transfer of Victor Ozhianvuna in January 2027.
"This is a landmark transfer in Irish football and a template for the development of top young football talent in the country.
"The club is delighted that Victor will remain with Shamrock Rovers until the age of 18 and then make the move to north London in January 2027.
"Victor (16) has been with Shamrock Rovers since the age of 6. He has grown up within the club's Academy and this transfer is a tremendous reflection on the player and all the coaches who have assisted his development."
Welcome to The Arsenal, Victor Ozhianvuna ❤️
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) October 3, 2025
We've reached an agreement for the 16-year-old forward to join the club from Shamrock Rovers in January 2027 👇
