Arsenal’s pursuit of an emerging Irish star has ended in disappointment as their North London rivals secured a long-term deal for one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.
Tottenham Hotspur have secured the signing of Mason Melia, beating Arsenal to the highly-rated Irish forward in what is now a record-breaking transfer for a League of Ireland player, believed to be around €2m.
St Patrick’s Athletic confirmed the deal, which will see the 17-year-old remain in Ireland for the 2025 season before officially joining Spurs on January 1, 2026 as he doesn’t turn 18 until after the summer window closes.
A product of St Patrick’s youth system, Melia has already made waves in Irish football, becoming the club’s youngest-ever senior goalscorer at just 15. His performances at domestic level quickly earned him international recognition, representing Ireland at multiple youth levels, including the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He received his first call-up to the Ireland Under-21 squad in October 2024.
Since making his senior debut in May 2023, he has made 54 appearances and scored 10 goals.
Valued at just €125,000, Spurs have paid much more but Melia still represents a low-risk, high-reward investment for the club, particularly in a market where emerging strikers often command exorbitant fees.
A clinical finisher with an instinctive understanding of space, he is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most promising forwards in recent years.