By Michael Scully

Copyright irishmirror

Victor Ozhianvuna has signed on the dotted line with Premier League giants Arsenal for a fee of around €2m. The 16-year-old from Tallaght will join the Gunners from Shamrock Rovers in January 2027, when he celebrates his 18th birthday. The talented striker has made 16 first team appearances for the Hoops to date, including in Europe, since his debut earlier this year. The previous LOI transfer record is held by St Pat’s starlet Mason Melia, who has agreed a move to Tottenham for €1.6m. However, Ozhianvuna’s transfer will cost a €2m, while the deal could double to €4m if certain add-on conditions are met. The Dubliner, who has played for Ireland from under-15 level through to the under-18s, became the second youngest player to appear in the UEFA Conference League, when he came off the bench in Shamrock Rovers’ second-leg intermediate stage fixture against Molde FK in February. His debut goal for the Hoops came against Wexford FC in the FAI Cup in July. “Everyone at Arsenal is excited to welcome Victor to the club in the near future,” said the club in a statement. “The transfer is subject to the competition of regulatory processes.” In their own statement announcing the move, Rovers added: “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. “Establishing SRFC Academy was a pioneering move made by the club’s Board following learnings made post the UEFA Europa League Group Stage qualification in 2011. “The facility at Roadstone Group Sports Club in Dublin 22 was identified as the ideal location being just 5km from Tallaght Stadium. Identification of the site and working in partnership with Roadstone, the facility was turned into Ireland’s first professional football Academy facility. It is now home to all of our teams from development years to the first team. “All of this would not be possible without the commitment, talent and dedication of the many coaches who has passed through the Academy and those who are currently on its staff. “The club continues to invest in young talent and the facility in Roadstone and is delighted that Victor has made such progress with determination, talent and hard work.”