Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill poised for senior debut

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to hand 18-year-old Ceadach O’Neill his first-team debut during tonight’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Fleetwood Town. The Northern Irish forward, who can play as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, has been training with the senior squad and has impressed coaching staff during pre-season.

O’Neill joined the Arsenal academy in 2024 from Linfield, where he had already made his senior debut at age 15. He was the club’s leading academy goalscorer last season, netting 18 goals in 30 appearances across three age groups.

An established international, O’Neill has earned four senior caps for Northern Ireland. He is expected to feature alongside other young talents, such as Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, as Arsenal prepares to make several changes to the lineup following their recent Premier League victory.