AFC Wimbledon’s rising star Ryan Sweeney has caught the attention of Arsenal, according to reports.
The Kingston-born Dons academy graduate ended last season as part of Neal Ardley’s first-team setup after breaking through from the club’s development squad.
His form for Wimbledon earned his an Ireland U18s call-up this summer and he made his international debut in a goalless draw with Luxembourg last month.
Sweeney, a tall centre-half, is now said to be attracting interest from the Premier League Gunners.
Here is the City Sport claim Arsene Wenger’s side are keeping tabs on the youngster and could face competition for the player from Championship duo Fulham and Brighton.
AFC Wimbledon's 2014-15 season in quotes:
Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley recently told the club’s website: “Ryan had turned into a very aggressive centre-back, who wanted to win his headers and put his foot in.
“He is still growing, I think he was 6ft three inches the last time I saw him, but he is probably nearly 6ft 4 inches now!
“Sometimes with that you can be a little bit uncoordinated, but we have to see him through and make sure we do not put too much on him.
“At the same time if we can add those qualities to his game and keep working on his bravery and defensive mentality then we could have a real prospect on our hands.”
Wimbledon are short of numbers at the back, particularly in the heart of the defence, and would be reluctant to lose a defender they consider a huge talent at Kingsmeadow.
