Arsenal have joined the race for 17 year old Irish Under 19 International James McCarthy, who currently plays for Scottish minnows Hamilton Academical.
McCarthy made his debut aged just 15 for Hamilton’s first team, and has since gone on to become a regular as they gained promotion to the Scottish Premier League last week, but Arsenal will face a battle for his services with clubs from England and Europe also scouting the prospect.
James was born in Scotland but chose to play for Ireland as his family hails from there, and its thought our Head of Youth Development director Liam Brady who recently became assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland national team, has indicated his interest to Arsenal’s scouts who have been present at recent fixtures.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Celtic have all been in attendance this season, with the latter making an offer last January which was subsequently rejected.
McCarthy has only 1 year left on his current contract, and despite Hamilton’s best attempts to keep him it seems he will move on this summer, with the only question left which club he will go to.
He is a central midfielder, who can also play wide on the left or right. He is two footed and confident on the ball, and blessed with a superb passing ability. Manager Billy Reid is aware of the interest and confirms he has all the talents to become a huge prospect.
“Every week there are up to 25 clubs that send scouts to look at him, from Barcelona to Liverpool, from Real Madrid to Arsenal,”
“The boy has everything, pace, power, stamina, he’s two-footed and he runs forever. It’s no exaggeration to say he’s up there with the best in the country.”
Quotes From Sky News
Arsenal could be favourites to sign the youngsters, as its reported they are willing to consider an option where he joins his new employers but is loaned back to the club that has nurtured his development.
James rejected Liverpool last summer after a short trial, and with the lure of Arsene Wenger’s youth policy could prove to be decisive.
One thing is for sure, whatever happens and wherever James McCarthy ends up, he is sure to be a superb player in the future. Hopefully for Arsenal.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Another british 17 year old CM we’re linked with?
I rather have Aarom Ramsey joining us.
But if he’s that good why not
Good points mate.
Ramsey is more of a winger from what i understand.
How many more alleged wonder kids do we need at Arsenal, also Arsene Wenger should concentrate on bringing some experience to the club insted of bidding for the latest teenage superstar
why not bring him to arsenal he will devlop more to his game and wenger is concentrating on experience players
im sure sky sports news done i speacial report on this player a few months back was it him ?
JS i’m a big fan of Urs thank for this wonderful page
Why did he turn down Liverpool? Intriguing.
Jay, are you getting IE problems on your site?
Yes you are…
I’ve mailed wordpress.
Thanks Pedro :D
[Why did he turn down Liverpool? Intriguing]
Pikeys. Hubcaps. Giro. BubblePerm. Eh eh eh. You do la der did you do. Nuff said
lmao.
Looks a talent, but i’d prefer some more experienced buys ;)
I wouldn’t confuse this kind of Youth system recruitment and Arsene Wenger’s summer recruitment. They are separate things.
Ever since coming to america the Beckham has been busy ever since with victoria fashion line and i think reality tv too and beckham signing a 250 million dollar deal with the galaxy soccer team now the king of pop himself wants a piece of the beckham too. Michael Jackson offered to sell his neverland ranch and home to the beckham for 10 million dollars.