Arsenal to swoop for League of Ireland star

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Cork City defender Brian Lenihan.

The Premier League club have been monitoring the player for several months and the Gunner’s chief scout Steve Rowley was at Turners Cross last Friday night to watch Lenihan play a big part in Cork’s 3-0 win over Limerick.

Reports this morning now suggest the clubs have begun negotiations.

Arsenal are hoping to sign Cork City defender Brian Lenihan for their Under 21 squad in a deal worth 200k to the Rebels. #LOI

— SFI (@SportsFansEire) July 4, 2014

The 20-year-old former College Corinthians right-back has been described as the next Seamus Coleman. He is also a member of the Ireland U-21 team.

Here is Lenihan being interviewed after being named Cork City player of the month in March.