Mason Melia, a striker for St Patrick’s Athletic, is wanted by a number of teams, including Arsenal, the Evening Standard reports.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City are also interested in the Ireland under-17 international, but the Gunners are hoping to beat them to his services.
They are unable to sign the 16-year-old this summer, though, because Brexit regulations prevent him from moving to the UK until he turns 18.
With six goals in 33 games since making his League of Ireland Premier Division debut for St Patrick’s Athletic in May of last year, Melia has been very impressive.
For the past 18 months, Arsenal scouts have been following the development of the teenage sensation who is a striker. However, as his stock rises in the upcoming years, they will face fierce competition.
The Gunners have already acquired 16-year-old defender Brayden Clarke from Wolverhampton Wanderers, beating out four other Premier League teams, as they aim to focus on bolstering their youth ranks moving forward.
In addition, Rangers attacking midfielder Alexander Smith, 15, is a target for Arsenal, and the 15-year-old Aberdeen defender Lewis Carrol is also a top contender.
The most recent name to be associated with the North Londoners is Melia, who will try to continue making an impression on them and other suitors in order to get a chance to play in the Premier League when he turns 18 in September 2025.
Because of his height and style of play, he has already drawn comparisons to Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane. Arsenal will continue to follow his development and be prepared to strike when the time is right.
