Arsenal 'strike agreement' for eighth transfer as Gunners set to pay record fee

Arsenal have reportedly struck an agreement to sign 16-year-old Shamrock Rovers midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna in what is set to be a record fee for the League of Ireland Premier Division. The news comes a day after Eberechi Eze was presented as the Gunners' seventh signing of the summer for £67.5million, taking their spending past the £250m mark.

Eze was in attendance as Mikel Arteta's side put five goals past Leeds on Sunday and they are attempting to safeguard their future with the addition of promising midfielder Ozhianvuna. The years to come already appear bright after 15-year-old Max Dowman made his Premier League debut off the bench and won a penalty.

The Times claim that Ozhianvuna will sign a pre-contract with Arsenal, ensuring that he will head to north London when he turns 18 in January 2027. The fee is expected to be larger than Tottenham's £1.6m deal for Mason Melia earlier this year and constitutes an Irish record.

Ozhianvuna, who is already playing first-team football as a winger for Rovers, has completed his medical and may complete a move next week.

As an EU citizen, the teenager cannot join Arsenal until he turns 18, but the move is a product of the Gunners' increased efforts to scout talent in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, led by technical director James Ellis and academy manager Per Mertesacker.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Club Brugge approached Rovers with a late counteroffer that would have meant that Ozhianvuna departed early, with Brexit rules allowing Irish players to leave for Belgium before 18, but the Dubliner has his heart set on Arsenal.

He and his family visited the club this year and Arsenal will work with Rovers to ensure that he receives an acceptable level of playing time before heading to north London.

Ozhianvuna made his full debut last month in an FAI Cup game against Wexford, in which he scored the winning goal. He has since made 20 senior appearances.

The Tallaght talent first caught Arsenal's eye when he and Rovers Under-14s won the Hale End Cup at Arsenal's academy, beating several English teams, including the hosts.

Rovers boss Stephen Bradley, who was in Arsenal's ranks under Liam Brady, has since promoted him to the first team and been impressed with the youngster's performances.

Ozhianvuna is expected to compete against the best talent in his age group for Ireland at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, which begins in November.