48 hours ago, it looked like it would be a quiet deadline day at Arsenal, but that’s all changed!
Arsenal are reportedly working on a surprise move for St. Mirren’s teenage prospect Evan Mooney, with negotiations understood to be ongoing over a deal that could be worth in up to £800,000.
According to the Scottish Sun, discussions are already at a formal stage, and if an agreement is reached, the plan would be to initially integrate Mooney into Arsenal’s Under-21 setup rather than fast-track him straight into first-team contention.
While much of the attention around the club naturally centres on senior signings and headline names, there has been a parallel strategy focused on strengthening the development pipeline, particularly with players who show strong technical foundations and adaptability at a young age. Mooney appears to fall firmly into that category.
At St. Mirren, the teenager has earned a reputation as one of the most promising young players in their academy structure, attracting attention for his composure, work rate and potential to develop physically over the next few seasons. Arsenal’s recruitment team have reportedly been monitoring his progress closely, and the proposed fee reflects both his potential ceiling and the growing competition for elite youth prospects across the UK.
Crucially, this move would not be viewed internally as a short-term solution but as a longer-term investment. By placing Mooney in the Under-21s, Arsenal would be able to control his development in a familiar environment while exposing him to the club’s tactical principles, sports science framework, and elite coaching structure. That pathway has already proven effective for a number of young players, some of whom have gone on to break into the first team or generate significant value through loans and future sales.
From St. Mirren’s perspective, a deal of this size would represent a major boost and underline their ability to develop players capable of attracting interest from top Premier League clubs. For Arsenal, it is another example of casting the net wide and acting decisively when an opportunity arises, even if the move flies slightly under the radar compared to marquee transfers.
Nothing is signed yet, and negotiations are ongoing, but if Arsenal do manage to close the deal, Evan Mooney would be the latest addition to a youth-focused strategy designed to keep the club competitive not just now, but for years to come. Arsenal are also looking to move for James Wilson from Hearts FC on deadline day – on what might be an initial loan deal.