news-engine

Ismeal Kabia made his debut for St Mirren on Sunday, playing 59 minutes as the Saints were beaten 5-1 by Rangers in the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup. After making 43 appearances on loan at Shrewsbury Town last season, the 20-year-old winger spent much of this summer’s pre-season with Mikel Arteta’s first team, featuring briefly against Girona and Real Betis, but now heads out on another season-long deal to continue his development. Kabia has one senior Arsenal appearance to his name, coming off the bench against Bolton in the Carabao Cup in September 2024, and St Mirren boss Craig McLeish believes his arrival is an exciting addition. “We’re delighted to have Ismeal with us,” he told the club website. “We’ve put a lot of work into it over the last few weeks. Arsenal had to give the go-ahead for when he could be released to come up because he’s been involved with their first team throughout pre-season and played in some of their games. Mikel Arteta gave the clearance after their friendly the other night that he was happy with their squad. “He’ll bring real excitement. He’s a one-v-one type winger with real pace and directness. “We’ve had to fight off a lot of interest in him as well. He had lots of different options up here and down south and in Europe. It’s a really good one for us and we’re really excited to show him off.” At the time of writing, Kabia is one of only two Arsenal academy players currently out on loan. Charles Sagoe Jr has been with Swedish side Kalmar since February in a deal that runs until January 2027, although that number is expected to increase before the transfer window closes as several more youngsters seek regular first-team football elsewhere.