Arsenal Pursues Manchester United's James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye
Arsenal are preparing to raid Manchester United’s academy for a second time this week as they close in on Habeeb Ogunneye and push hard to land James Scanlon.
The north London club have agreed a deal for right-back Ogunneye and will now intensify talks with United over winger Scanlon, who has become a key target in their renewed youth-drive.
Scanlon chase gathers pace
Scanlon, 19, is firmly on Arsenal’s radar after an eye-catching year in senior football. Born in Leicester but capped 24 times by Gibraltar, the winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town in League Two, gaining valuable first-team experience.
Arsenal believe the player wants the move. Those close to the situation are confident personal terms will not be a stumbling block, with Scanlon understood to be keen on a switch to north London and the pathway on offer.
The sticking point is the fee. Talks with United are ongoing, but there is optimism at Arsenal that negotiations could move quickly, with hopes of significant progress in the next 72 hours.
This is not a scattergun punt. Two influential figures inside Arsenal have driven the pursuit.
Chris Perkins, who arrived at the club in 2023 as a professional development phase scout, has tracked Scanlon’s progress for years. Perkins previously spent six years as head of academy recruitment at Derby County, watching the winger come through the age groups there and rating him highly.
David Horseman has added his voice to the push. Appointed this week as head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21s, Horseman has already worked closely with Scanlon from his brief spell at United and has strongly recommended him. Horseman joined Arsenal a year ago as elite player development coach, overseeing the U19s in the UEFA Youth League and the U21s in the EFL Trophy, and now steps up with a clear idea of the talent he wants.
Ogunneye deal nearing completion
While Scanlon talks continue, the Ogunneye move is far more advanced.
The 20-year-old right-back, who featured in several first-team matchday squads for United under Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 season, spent the first half of last term on loan at Newport County in League Two before being recalled in January.
Arsenal have scheduled a medical for Thursday, with an official announcement expected over the weekend. Ogunneye will join on a free transfer, with United securing a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
He is set to link up initially with the Under-21s but will also train with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad at the Emirates Stadium, a clear signal that Arsenal view him as more than just academy depth.
Two young defenders and attackers from Old Trafford, handpicked by staff who know them well, heading into a system built around opportunity and development. Arsenal’s senior recruitment has dominated headlines in recent years; now their youth strategy is starting to bite just as hard.
