Arsenal working to complete signings of Manchester United’s James Scanlon, Habeeb Ogunneye

Arsenal are working to complete the signings of Manchester United academy players James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.

The north London club is confident of finalising deals for both Scanlon, a 19-year-old winger, and 20-year-old right-back Ogunneye.

Scanlon is a Gibraltar international, making 24 appearances and scoring five goals since his debut against Lithuania in March 2024. The former Derby County academy product, who signed for United in 2023, qualifies to represent the British territory through his mother Gabriella, a former Gibraltarian athlete.

Scanlon spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two outfit Swindon Town, scoring once in six appearances.

Meanwhile, Ogunneye made 21 loan appearances for Newport County last season under then-manager Dave Hughes, a former under-21s assistant coach at United, before being recalled in January.

The London-born England under-17 international was included in United’s first-team matchday squad as an unused substitute on nine occasions during the 2023-24 campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Both Scanlon and Ogunneye were part of United’s successful under-18s campaign that season, winning the U18 Premier League National title and the U18 Premier League Cup, as well as finishing as regional league champions.

Arsenal’s academy focus

Analysis by Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas

These moves would strengthen Arsenal’s under-21 options. The Premier League champions are conscious of the need to have a competitive, winning team at academy level — and to develop prospects who, if they don’t become first-team players, may generate revenue through moving elsewhere.

The club have already recruited a number of promising academy players this summer: defender Elijah Upson joined after leaving Tottenham, and attackers Mylo Bernard and Vincent Joseph have agreed to join from Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively.

Arsenal have also agreed a deal for 16-year-old Axel Donczew, Cardiff City’s youngest ever first-team player.