Arsenal have officially signed Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC, the Premier League champions announced on Tuesday .
The Northern Ireland Under-17 international signed a pre-contract agreement with the Gunners and will now put pen to paper on professional terms with the club .
Blayney is leaving his home country for the first time in his career to join Arsenal following a successful trial period with the north London club .
The young midfielder, who has been part of Larne’s youth setup, impressed Arsenal’s coaching staff during his trial and has been rewarded with a move to the Emirates .
Arsenal, who recently won the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, continue to invest in young talent as they look to build for the future .
The club did not disclose the length of the contract or the financial details of the transfer .
Blayney joins Arsenal’s youth ranks and will be expected to develop within the club’s academy system, with the potential to break into the first team in the coming years .
The 16-year-old is the latest Northern Irish prospect to make a move to English football, following in the footsteps of other young talents who have made the switch across the Irish Sea .
