Arsenal are eyeing a potential double-deal from Shamrock Rovers, with the club taking another of their young stars on trial.
The Gunners have already reached a pre-agreement with the Irish side for midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna. The 16-year-old will join Arsenal when he turns 18, with Arsenal agreeing to pay an Irish record fee.
Despite his young age, the teenager has made 13 league appearances for Shamrock so far this season. He has also played in the Europa Conference League, coming on in the second half of the club’s Intermediate stage loss against Molde.
After securing a move for Ozhianvuna, it seems that Arsenal may be returning to Ireland in the search of more young talent.
According to reports from Next Generation Arsenal, the Gunners have been taking a look at 15-year-old defender Maxim Afonin.
The Irish youth international is said to have played and scored for the club’s Under-16s team this week.
It is reported to be the second time he has come to Arsenal on trial as the club look to make a decision on if to make a move for him or not.
The teenager is yet to make his first team debut for Shamrock, but is able to play on either side of central defence. He has seven caps for Ireland’s Under-15s team.
The latest move comes after the Athletic reported that Arsenal have spent that last three years developing a scouting network in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, with the club wanting to be 'well-positioned' to sign emerging Irish talent.
It is added that the club have a good relationship with both Shamrock Rovers' manager and sporting director. The club's manager Stephen Bradley himself came up through the Arsenal academy.
The now 40-year-old joined Scottish side Dunfermline in 2004. He eventually ended up at Shamrock Rovers, who he played for 63 times, scoring four goals.
