Arsenal have beaten Liverpool in securing a highly-rated goalkeeper to enhance their impressive talent pool at Hale End.
The Gunners have reached a final agreement with Larne to acquire 16-year-old Phoenix Blayney, as confirmed by the player’s father.
The Northern Irish Premier League club will receive a nominal fee as compensation for his training and development.
Alan Blayney has stated that his son will officially sign this summer after a successful trial with the north London team.
Reports indicate that Arsenal has successfully fended off interest from competing Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, to obtain his signature.
Only a few formalities remain before the deal is finalized. Blayney has yet to sign his pre-contract agreement, which will take effect when he turns professional on his 17th birthday in November 2027, as revealed by his father.
“Everything has been settled with Arsenal; he merely needs to sign the contract,” Alan Blayney informed the Belfast Telegraph.
He added, “When he turns 17, he will sign a professional contract. It is all agreed upon, and a pre-contract will be signed at the appropriate time.”
Earlier this year, Blayney had a trial with Arsenal and also visited Liverpool’s facilities, where he was seen wearing the club’s training gear in the stands at Anfield.
However, Blayney Sr. disclosed that Arsenal’s offer was the most appealing, describing it as “the shining light among all options,” with the Larne youth goalkeeper perceiving the move to north London as “a tremendous opportunity.”
“Phoenix enjoyed his time at Arsenal; he felt a connection there and has a great appreciation for the coaches.
“One of his close friends, Daniel McCarron, has joined the club, which is likely one of the reasons for his decision. They both play on the same Northern Ireland team,” he added.
Given his young age and limited senior experience, Blayney will need to demonstrate his skills in the youth ranks for the Under-18s under the guidance of head coach Adam Birchall.
Birchall was appointed in October 2024 following Jack Wilshere’s decision to leave for his first job in senior management.