Arsenal to Complete Second Summer Signing with Three-Year Contract
Arsenal is close to finalizing their second acquisition of the summer, as attacking midfielder Ceadach O’Neill prepares to sign a three-year contract.
O’Neill is set to join Arsenal’s Under-18 team from Linfield, as announced by his Gaelic Football Club, Kildrea, via social media. He will become part of Jack Wilshere’s squad.
The deal is expected to be officially signed when O’Neill turns 17 next April, allowing him to sign a professional contract. This follows the earlier signing of Danish youth goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard, marking the club’s second summer addition.
Arsenal’s focus on strengthening their youth teams follows a series of departures. Prior to the season’s end, Brayden Clarke joined from Wolves as a free agent.
Additionally, Arsenal is anticipated to complete their third summer signing, bringing in David Raya from Brentford for £27 million. Currently at the European Championships, Raya’s transfer is expected to proceed without issues.
The transfer window is in full swing, putting pressure on Arsenal to increase their activity, especially after the Profit and Sustainability Regulation deadline and as summer tournaments conclude. At this time last year, Arsenal had already secured Kai Havertz and were pursuing Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
While the club’s primary transfer targets are not clearly defined, Riccardo Calafiori is considered for defensive reinforcement, and Joan Garcia is a potential goalkeeping addition if Aaron Ramsdale leaves.
The signings of Nygaard and O’Neill are seen as positive steps for the club’s future. With the departures of Reuell Walters and Amario Cozier-Duberry after their contracts expired, the new recruits bring renewed optimism.
O’Neill hopes to follow in the footsteps of Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock. However, he will face competition from Ethan Nwaneri, the academy’s standout talent, who is aiming to break into the senior team this season.
