Ozhianvuna to become latest €1m kid as Arsenal circle

Victor Ozhianvuna of Shamrock Rovers is tackled by Milan Mbeng of Cork City. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Stephen Bradley expects a €1m-plus deal to be completed for Victor Ozhianvuna, with Arsenal leading the queue for his Shamrock Rovers tyro.

Ozhianvuna is just 16 but has featured in the Conference League and domestically this year. His versatility is an appealing aspect for his legion of suitors.

Arsenal haven’t been active in the Irish market for around 20 years, back to the era when the Academy, led by Liam Brady, recruited multiple Irish gems such as the current Rovers boss.

Bradley isn’t certain that Ozhianvuna will follow his path to London but is unequivocal in his belief that the graduate, born in Tallaght to Russian and Nigerian parents, will flourish on the highest stage.

He can join a European club immediately but seems likely to wait until his 18th birthday when Brexit rules permit a UK move.

“I imagine it's something that will happen in the near future,” confirmed Bradley about a deal that could rival Mason Melia’s upcoming €1.9m switch to Tottenham Hotspur for scale.

“The interest is 100% genuine. Discussions that these clubs are having with our Director of Football Stephen McPhail are right down the line. This isn't a phone call, 'how's things?'

"This is right down the line to financials here, so serious stuff.” 

Bradley is a big fan of Ozhianvuna, who could feature in Friday night’s meeting with champions Shelbourne, expected to fill out the 10,500-capacity Tallaght Stadium.

He said: “We’re you're talking about one of the best players. You'll see that going forward. 

“We’ve had a number of these clubs ask him to go over to watch a game, to show him around. He’s no interest in that, saying ’if you want me, well…’ 

“He’s full-time with us and just wants to play the game, whether it’s in the car park in Tallaght Stadium.

“He’s annoying me to play for the U17s or U20s when he doesn’t play for the first-team. Because we’ve had a heavy schedule, we haven’t been able to do that. You’re trying to mind him but he just wants to play."

Bradley continued: "I think that’s quite clear here that if you’ve got the ability, the talent, the attitude, and the desire, and commit to the club, you’ll get your chance. This club has set standards on and off the pitch for a long, long time in terms of selling players.

“I don’t think there is anyone in the country that has come close to that in my reign being here.

“If young players commit to us and are good enough, they’ll get their opportunities and whatever may be will be."