Arsenal are keeping an eye on Shamrock Rovers’ Victor Ozhianvuna, following the teenager’s breakout season in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
Victor Ozhianvuna playing for Shamrock Rovers (Photo via Shamrock Rovers on Instagram)
Photo via Shamrock Rovers on Instagram
Paul O’Hehir reports for the Irish Daily Star that Ireland u17 international Victor Ozhianvuna is on Arsenal’s radar, having been a regular in Shamrock Rovers’ first-team squads this season.
The Irish Independent had also recently reported that Arsenal were keen to sign the player, securing an agreement this summer which would take effect when he turns 18.
Ozhianvuna only turned 16 in January, but he’s already made 13 senior appearances for Shamrock Rovers, including an appearance in the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League.
The midfielder has been involved in every matchday squad for his team’s league campaign so far, making 11 substitute appearances. But he’s yet to be handed a start.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Ozhianvuna is clearly highly rated at his current club, and O’Hehir’s report mainly centres around fears that the player may have become so important to his current side that they won’t release him for the u17 World Cup later this year.
The youth international competition is partly taking place outside of the usual international windows, kicking off on November 3rd and lasting until November 27th. FIFA have an international break from November 10th-18th, but the remainder of the tournament falls outside of that period.
As a result, Ireland will be relying on Shamrock Rovers choosing to release Ozhianvuna and foregoing their option to use him in their matches on November 1st and 9th.
Ireland boss Colin O’Brien might have been glad if Ozhianvuna made a summer switch to Arsenal. The Gunners would be less likely to hold the 16-year-old back from youth internationals for senior matches at this stage in his career.
But given Ozhianvuna’s age, a move can’t officially take place until January 2027.
Max Dowman celebrates his goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Photo via Arsenal.com
Though it does raise a question of what might happen with Max Dowman. Dowman is heavily tipped to step up to Mikel Arteta’s first team for the pre-season tour, and he’s expected to get chances in the competitive fixtures too.
Given Dowman’s importance to the England u17s, they’ll hope his increased senior involvement doesn’t rule him out of the tournament.
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