Mason Melia: Arsenal aim to beat Man City and Brighton to Irish wonderkid signing
Arsenal are among a host of Premier League clubs hoping to sign Irish teen sensation Mason Melia when he turns 18.
The 16-year-old is already playing first-team football for St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division after making his debut this season.
Melia's rise has not gone unnoticed, and Arsenal scouts have been tracking his progress for the past 18 months. The Gunners are not alone, though, with nearly every Premier League club having an interest in him.
Manchester City are strong contenders, while Brighton are hopeful, given their track record of giving young talent a platform to shine.
Melia cannot move to the UK until he turns 18 due to Brexit rules.
The 16-year-old could move to mainland Europe now, possibly to a Premier League side’s feeder club, but he is currently most likely to stay put until his 18th birthday.
Melia made his debut this season for St Patrick’s Athletic as a 15-year-old and has signed a professional contract until 2026.
Arsenal are making a real push to attack the youth market over the coming years by signing the best talent under the age of 18.
