Arsenal closing in on move for St. Mirren teenage striker Evan Mooney

Arsenal are closing in on a transfer move for St. Mirren teenage striker Evan Mooney ahead of the transfer deadline tomorrow, according to the Scottish Sun. The Emirates Stadium club want to strengthen their youth ranks and the Scotland youth international could be joining the Gunners in the coming hours. Arsenal have been monitoring Mooney for over 12 months and are now willing to pay around £265,000 to acquire his services.

The 18-year-old will be initially linking up with the Gunners’ under-21s, but first-team manager Mikel Arteta could start monitoring his progress as he has senior experience. Mooney has played 11 times in the Scottish Premiership this season after weighing in with a goal and an assist in seven league appearances last term. The Arsenal target has played 23 times for St. Mirren and a move to the Premier League could appeal to him.

Informal talks have already taken place between the two clubs and a deal is now looking likely before 7pm tomorrow. Mooney won the Scottish League Cup last December, coming off the bench as a second-half substitute as St Mirren defeated Celtic 3-1 in the final. He will be bringing experience to the Arsenal under-21s and could start training regularly with the Gunners first-team if he can impress Arteta and other coaches.