Arsenal and Manchester City join hunt to land rising Waterford teen star

Southampton has joined Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal in their pursuit of Waterford’s elite striker Romeo Akachukwu.

The seventeen-year-old, whose hat-trick in Waterford’s First Division play-off semi-final victory over Athlone Town was instrumental in the club’s promotion this season, is in high demand following a successful campaign with both club and country. He also represented Ireland at the U-17 Euro finals last summer.

Early frontrunners to sign the striker were Newcastle United and Southampton. Although Magpies manager Eddie Howe was reportedly engaged in negotiations at one point, the Saints demonstrated the most interest.

Southampton submitted a bid in excess of €500,000, which would set a new benchmark for a League of Ireland club’s player acquisition. In addition to surpassing the €450,000 Shamrock Rovers received from Manchester City for Gavin Bazunu, Sunderland paid Cork City for Roy O’Donovan in 2007. However, the Hoops ultimately obtained more due to bonuses and international appearances.

There is speculation that Waterford has not formally rejected Southampton’s offer, but the Blues are eager to maximise the profit potential of Akachukwu’s transfer. Fleetwood Town, Waterford’s parent club in League One, is also eager to acquire him.

Although Manchester City and Arsenal are also interested in signing him, it is more probable that they will initially evaluate him at the academy level. In contrast, Southampton have assured Akachukwu of a rapid pathway to first-team action.

This week in Albania for Euro qualification duty with the Ireland U-19s, Akachukwu has two years remaining on his contract with Waterford but cannot transfer to a club in the United Kingdom until he turns 18 in July.