Who is Victor Ozhianvuna? The Irish teen star set to join Arsenal

August 25, 2025

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Irish teen sensation Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers.

The 16-year-old midfielder is set to become the most expensive player in Irish top-flight history when he signs for the Gunners on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

That record is currently being held by forward Mason Melia after Tottenham agreed to pay St Pat’s £1.6million in February.

A deal for Ozhianvuna to join Arsenal is likely to be concluded this week. However, due to EU rules in Ireland, he won’t be able to join the Emirates until he turns 18 in January 2027.

Arsenal were one of several top clubs that have been tracking Ozhianvuna’s progress and potential, and will feel delighted to have fended off European rivals for his signature.

Who is incoming Arsenal player Victor Ozhianvuna?

Ozhianvuna joined the Hoops’ academy in 2015 and has progressed through the youth teams.

He made his senior debut in January this year in the Leinster Senior Cup before his league debut followed on 16 February against Bohemians at the Aviva Stadium.

In July, he made his full Shamrock Rovers debut and capped it off by scoring a brilliant goal in a 4-0 FAI Cup victory over Wexford FC.

This season, he has been integrated into the senior set-up with 12 league appearances from the substitute bench.

Ozhianvuna has also represented Ireland at youth level, and currently plays for his country’s Under-18 side.

16 y/o Victor Ozhianvuna shows superb technique to finish off a fine team move!

SHA 1-0 WEX pic.twitter.com/GBcoeal5jp

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) July 18, 2025

What position does he play?

Ozhianvuna is extremely versatile and is capable of playing in multiple positions, depending on how Arsenal want to develop him going forward.

Typically, he’s a No.10, but he can also play on either wing, as a second striker or the main man in attack.

Coach Stephen Bradley recently provided further insight by saying: “There are so many more layers to him; he can play inside, he can be the 10, he can play off the right, off the front-man. He’s a special talent.”

He’s also known for his excellent technical ability and his dribbling skills, alongside his versatility.

Arsenal fans may get to see him in action on Thursday, with Shamrock Rovers 2/1 to beat Santa Clara with Irish bookmakers.

What’s been said about him?

Understandably, Shamrock Rovers have been eager to keep their young talent grounded and therefore, Bradley has been reluctant to wax too many lyrical about him in the press.

However, in July, after scoring his first goal, he said: “He is a really special talent. I think that is quite clear to see. You will see that more and more as he goes.

“Teams have watched Victor since he was 12 years of age. That team has travelled across Europe, played top teams, so everyone knows him, all the clubs.

“Even though he hasn’t been overly exposed over here in the first-team, everyone knows him.

“You are just going to see the kid get better and better. I love his attitude.

“Put him in the carpark or on the pitch, he just wants to play. It’s his ball, he wants it back. That’s how he plays the game.”