Arsenal confirm Phoenix Blayney signing after beating Liverpool

Arsenal have confirmed the Phoenix Blayney signing after beating Liverpool and Nottingham Forest to the highly rated Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

Blayney, 15, will join from Larne next summer and become part of Arsenal’s scholarship intake for the 2027/28 season. He has also agreed to sign professional terms when he turns 17 in November 2027.

Arsenal have officially confirmed the agreement, turning a deal initially reported in June into the latest addition to their expanding academy recruitment programme.

We have reached an agreement for Northern Ireland under-17 international Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC as part of our 2027/28 scholar intake 🔗 https://t.co/xkIYfIqdsn pic.twitter.com/M5rZ986LDF

— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) August 25, 2026

Phoenix Blayney signing follows Liverpool competition

Blayney attracted interest from Liverpool and Nottingham Forest after impressing at youth level in Northern Ireland.

The Standard reported that the goalkeeper visited Liverpool’s facilities and received offers from both Premier League clubs. However, a successful trial with Arsenal persuaded him to choose north London.

His friendship with Daniel McCarron, another Northern Ireland youth international already at Arsenal, also helped influence his decision.

Blayney has made eight appearances for Northern Ireland’s Under-17s despite still being 15, including five during their European Championship qualifying campaign.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that he will remain with Larne until his scholarship begins next summer.

He has already featured around Larne’s Under-18 squad and was named on the bench for a UEFA Youth League fixture last season.

Arsenal academy recruitment drive gathers pace

Blayney’s arrival forms part of a wider recruitment push under new academy director Pascal De Maesschalck, who replaced Per Mertesacker this summer.

Arsenal are also working on several other additions across their youth teams.

ReadArsenal previously reported that Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye has agreed a move to the club, while Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon is also expected to join.

Talks over United midfielder James Scanlon remain separate, with no completed agreement confirmed.

The activity comes while Arsenal attempt to protect and develop their existing academy talent. Myles Lewis-Skelly remains part of Mikel Arteta’s plans despite Manchester United’s interest, while Ethan Nwaneri could leave on loan to gain regular first-team football.

Blayney will not arrive until 2027, but his signing reinforces Arsenal’s determination to secure highly rated young players before rival clubs can intervene.