Arsenal make official contact for first-team striker from Euro club as newly-linked target emerges – report | OneFootball

Arsenal made an official approach for St Mirren striker Evan Mooney last night, according to the Scottish Sun.

The Gunners have been trailing the 17-year-old striker since his first-team breakthrough with the Premiership club, and have now made contact with official notes of interest.

While Arsenal have yet to table a bid for Mooney, St Mirren are bracing themselves for serious bids as the teenage sensation is on the radar of a couple of bigwigs in England, with Newcastle United also keen.

The North London club are looking to bolster their attacking ranks before the end of this month to boost their chances in the title race, but whether they have plans to bring the Scotland youth international to the Emirates Stadium during the winter transfer window remains to be seen.

Mooney has played just four first-team games this season, but he has displayed his huge potential, scoring against St Johnstone and grabbing the assist which helped his side secure a late victory over Rangers last month.

Arsenal could do with such a player in their squad, but a January move is unlikely as the teenager will be keen to continue his development in the Scottish top-flight for a few more months or years.

Given the huge gulf in quality between the Premier League and Premiership, the Gunners could see Mooney as a player for the future and sign him for their youth team instead.

Joining Arsenal would appeal to the youngster, but it could take a while before he gets a taste of first-team football should he opt to join the Gunners, which could see him consider other options.

The St Mirren academy graduate will not be short of suitors if he keeps impressing in the Premiership going forward, and the North Londoners will continue to keep tabs on his progress before making a final decision.