'I've heard Arsenal have signed the new Pat Jennings' - Insider
New Arsenal goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney is a serious talent and rated highly by the legendary Pat Jennings.
That is according to experienced former Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
It was confirmed that the 15-year-old would join the Gunners this week, after a deal was agreed with Northern Irish side Larne FC.
Blayney is a Northern Ireland Under-17 international and passed a trial period with Arsenal ahead of signing a pre-contract agreement to join as a scholar for the 2027-28 season.
Jennings, a legend of Northern Irish football, earned 119 caps for his nation and is perhaps the only player to be loved at both Arsenal and Tottenham after playing for both clubs.
The iconic goalkeeper spent 13 years with the Lilywhites before crossing the divide to spend another eight with the Gunners.
'Pat Jennings rates him quite highly'
Blayney's arrival is a part of a clear new directive for the academy at Arsenal this summer.
Academy director Per Mertesacker left at the end of the season and subsequently joined the German FA, with Pascal De Maesschalck appointed as his replacement.
The Belgian has since overseen the signings of several young talents, with deals lined up for the likes of Igor Tyjon, Vincent Joseph and Mylo Bernard.
And there is real excitement surrounding the incoming talents, with Blayney attracting particular attention.
"I'll tell you an interesting signing that I noticed, through all the big stuff that's going on at Arsenal, they just signed a young goalkeeper, Phoenix Blayney. Pat Jennings rates him quite highly," King told Football Insider.
"He comes from Larne in Northern Ireland. He's only 15. Could it be a new Pat Jennings? Well, I've spoken about him, but I've heard through somebody that Pat thinks he's a really good prospect.
"But he's only 15 and his contract gives him a pro contract at 17. I mean, we're talking about the other end of the scale here, but these are the kinds of things that you've got to be looking at, whether you're a big club or a small.
"It shows even with the kind of money and the things that Arsenal are spending, but they haven't forgot about looking for young talent also."
Pheonix Blayney eyeing Jennings path
Northern Ireland have a history of producing great goalkeepers, with big things eyed for current number one Pierce Charles.
The 21-year-old already has 12 caps for the national team and is currently on loan at QPR, after signing for Manchester City this summer.
In an background published by the Northern Irish FA about Blayney, Charles was named as someone the teenager admires.
"His favourite player to have represented Northern Ireland is Pat Jennings, the legendary keeper who was part of the 1982 and 1986 World Cup squads," the article also read.