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Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on bringing St Patrick’s Athletic striker Mason Melia to the Premier League, according to the Evening Standard.
The Ireland under-17 international is also on the radar of Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Gunners are hoping to pip them to his services.
However, they cannot sign the 16-year-old this summer as he cannot move to the UK until he turns 18 due to Brexit rules.
Melia made his debut for St Patrick’s Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division last May and has been impressing, with six goals to his name in 33 games.
Arsenal scouts have been tracking the progress of the teenage striking sensation for the past 18 months, but they will face stiff competition as his stocks continue to rise over the coming years.
The Gunners plan to concentrate on strengthening their youth ranks going forward, and have already landed 16-year-old defender Brayden Clarke from Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead of four other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal are also leading the race for 15-year-old Aberdeen defender Lewis Carrol and 15-year-old Rangers attacking midfielder Alexander Smith is also on their radar.
Melia is the latest name to be linked with the North Londoners and he will hope to keep impressing them and other suitors ahead of a potential move to the Premier League after his 18th birthday in September 2025.
He has already earned comparisons with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and his compatriots Brighton striker Evan Ferguson due to his height and playing style, and Arsenal will keep monitoring his progress and will be ready to swoop once it is time
