Arsenal is among several Premier League clubs vying for the signature of Irish prodigy Mason Melia, who has already made a name for himself at just 16 years old. The talented teenager has been impressing scouts with his performances for St Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division, and Arsenal has been tracking his progress for over a year.
Melia’s rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed, with nearly every Premier League club expressing interest in him. Manchester City and Brighton are among the strong contenders, with the latter having a reputation for nurturing young talent.
Due to Brexit rules, Melia cannot move to the UK until he turns 18, but he could potentially join a Premier League side’s feeder club in mainland Europe before then. For now, he is likely to remain with St Patrick’s Athletic until his 18th birthday, when he will be eligible to make a move to the UK.
Arsenal is prioritizing its youth recruitment strategy, aiming to sign the best talent under the age of 18, and Melia is undoubtedly a key target in this endeavor.
Arsenal striker transfer news
According to a recent interview with Italian journalist Valter De Maggio on Radio Global (via Kiss Kiss Napoli), Napoli’s superstar striker Victor Osimhen “wants the Premier League”, although in particular “he is waiting for Arsenal.”
This is brilliant news for the Premier League runners-up, who earlier this month were said to still be interested in the talented forward, although while the pieces seem to be falling nicely into place for the Gunners, there is still the small matter of price.
If the north Londoners were to work out personal terms with the Nigerian international, they would have to pay his massive €130m release clause, which converts to around £111m.
It would be a seismic investment from a side who already broke their transfer record for the £105m Declan Rice last summer, but with Jesus looking less sure in front of goal than ever, it might be one worth making.
