As the world of football continues its constant search for new talent, Arsenal seem to have found one in the young Scottish prodigy, Callan McKenna.
The Queen’s Park goalkeeper has had a remarkable start to the season, capturing not only the attention of the Gunners but also Southampton.
- Callan McKenna, the 16-year-old Queen’s Park goalkeeper, is on the radar of top clubs including Arsenal and Southampton.
- Ruari Paton lauds McKenna’s skill and composure after the keeper pulled off a Cruyff turn in the box.
- Apart from Arsenal and Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion have also shown keen interest in acquiring McKenna’s services.
🚨 Arsenal had a prominent scout at the game between Queen’s Park and Arbroath to watch 16 year-old GK, Callan McKenna. Brighton and Southampton are also in the race for his signature. Exclusive by @Record_Sport. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/jHBEYg9iY8
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) August 14, 2023
With his recent impressive performances for Queen’s Park, 16-year-old goalkeeper Callan McKenna has garnered attention from a slew of top English clubs, notably Arsenal and Southampton.
This has led to speculation regarding McKenna’s future as the transfer window reaches its climax.
Ruari Paton, after witnessing McKenna’s first Championship clean sheet, couldn’t help but sing the praises of the young talent.
He commented on the keeper’s uncanny ability to remain composed under pressure, even drawing parallels to the legendary Johan Cruyff. “[Callan] has got a long way to go… to be that good with the ball at your feet as a goalie will be brilliant for him in the future,” Paton remarked.
How good was this guy today🧤🥶
Congrats on your first league clean sheet @CallanMckenna12 👏 pic.twitter.com/DECdi6HUSQ
— Queen's Park FC (@queensparkfc) August 19, 2023
However, it wasn’t just Paton who noticed McKenna’s potential.
Arsenal’s scouts have been present at his games, tracking his progress closely. And it’s not just the North London side; other Premier League clubs have been reported to have interest, with Brighton and Hove Albion actively engaging with Queen’s Park for his services.
Southampton’s interest in McKenna is longstanding, but the allure of joining a club like Arsenal or Brighton could prove too tantalising for the young Scottish star.
The Gunners are especially keen to bolster their youth goalkeeping ranks, after having to bring in Brentford’s David Raya.
Despite the allure of the Premier League, a move for McKenna would entail a shift from first-team football at QPR, where he has played in their first four matches of the season, conceding just two goals, to the youth squads in England.
It remains uncertain if the young talent is willing to take this step back, albeit temporarily.
McKenna’s journey began at the Hibernian academy before joining QPR five years ago.
The Scotland U17 international’s trajectory has been swift; from signing his first professional contract in January to becoming an integral player for his side.
Amid this rapid rise, the challenge for QPR now lies in retaining their prodigious talent amidst burgeoning interest from larger clubs.