Kilrea GAC claim Ceadach O’Neill is heading to London to take up a three-year contract with the Arsenal u18s, signing for the Gunners from Northern Irish side Linfield FC.
Currently 16 years old, O’Neill is only eligible for two-year scholarship terms at this stage. A three-year deal would mean he’d have to sign a professional deal when he turns 17 next April, and perhaps that’s what they’ve agreed in advance.
O’Neill has already played for Arsenal on trial, featuring at the Flamengo Adidas Cup in Brazil.
That trial led to reports in March that O’Neill was on the verge of completing his move, and it seems he’s now set to do so.
O’Neill has also made a few senior appearances for Linfield, coming off the bench on four occasions, and he’s a Northern Ireland u17 international.
The youngster can operate as an attacking midfielder or a winger, and he can join up with Arsenal in pre-season as soon as he’s officially completed his transfer.
Players from the academy returned to pre-season training on Monday.
