The 20-year-old winger has completed a season-long loan after St Mirren won the race for his signature, with Mikel Arteta giving the final approval.
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Ismeal Kabia will spend the season in the Scottish Premiership after Arsenal confirmed the 20-year-old has joined St Mirren on loan.
The winger has completed a season-long move to St Mirren for the 2026-27 campaign after attracting interest from clubs in Scotland, England and elsewhere in Europe.
There is no reported purchase option or obligation in the agreement, underlining Arsenal’s desire to retain control of Kabia’s long-term future while ensuring he continues to gain valuable senior experience.
The move follows a mixed loan spell with Shrewsbury Town during the 2025-26 season, where Kabia made 43 appearances (three goals, two assists) and experienced regular first-team football for the first time.
Having signed his second professional contract with Arsenal in August 2025 before joining Shrewsbury, the latest loan reflects the club’s belief that another season away from the Emirates offers the best environment for his continued development.
St Mirren manager Craig McLeish revealed the Scottish club had been pursuing the deal for several weeks before finally receiving Arsenal’s approval.
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Speaking to the club’s official website, McLeish said: “We’re delighted to have Ismeal with us.
“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 continued. “He’s a one-v-one type winger with real pace and directness.
“He had 43 appearances with Shrewsbury last season in League Two. He played a lot of football last season and now he’s looking for his next step in his development. We’re getting a really good, hungry young player.
“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.”
Kabia becomes St Mirren’s ninth signing of the summer and is eligible to make his debut in the club’s League Cup tie away to Rangers.
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