Arsenal Target Second Shamrock Rovers Prospect After Ozhianvuna Deal

Arsenal have already secured a future move for Shamrock Rovers midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna, who has made 13 league appearances and featured in Europe at just sixteen. The club are now evaluating fifteen year old defender Maxim Afonin during a second trial after he scored for Arsenal Under 16s. Afonin has seven Ireland Under 15 caps.

As the focus on youth recruitment grows at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are making further moves in Ireland after already securing a pre agreement for Shamrock Rovers midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna. The sixteen-year-old talent, who has made thirteen league appearances this season and featured in the Europa Conference League against Molde, will officially join Arsenal when he turns eighteen for what is reported to be a record fee for an Irish club. Arsenal are now assessing another emerging Shamrock Rovers prospect, fifteen year old defender Maxim Afonin. 

According to Next Generation Arsenal, the Irish youth international has returned for a second trial and even scored while playing for Arsenal’s Under sixteen side during the week. Afonin is yet to make his senior debut in Ireland but already has seven caps for the national Under fifteen team and is valued for his ability to play on either side of central defence. 

These moves reflect Arsenal’s growing investment in Irish talent after building an extensive scouting network across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the past three years. Their strong relationship with Shamrock Rovers, helped by manager Stephen Bradley’s connection to Arsenal’s academy, has positioned the Gunners to move quickly on the most promising young players emerging from the Irish system.