Arsenal Signs Northern Ireland Teen Keeper Phoenix Blayney

Arsenal has successfully negotiated a pre-contract agreement with 16-year-old goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Northern Ireland, who currently plays for Larn. Blayney will officially join Arsenal when he turns 17 on November 2027, at which point he will sign a professional contract.

His father, Alan Blayney, confirmed that all terms have been agreed upon, and the family chose Arsenal due to the club's interest and the connections established by the backroom staff, including young Northern Ireland international Daniel McCarron, who recently signed with the club. Despite interest from several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal has managed to secure Blayney's signature ahead of others.

Liverpool had even permitted Blayney to train with their facilities earlier in 2023, but Arsenal has clinched the deal.