Quinn joined Arsenal shortly after his 17th birthday in 1983. The tall striker played 12 times that season before holding down a regular place in the 1986/87 campaign under new manager George Graham. He started in Arsenal's 1987 League Cup final success against Liverpool, however, and earned 13 caps for the Republic of Ireland during his seven years at Highbury. Quinn left to join Manchester City for £700,000 in March 1990 with a goalscoring record of 20 goals in 94 appearances.