Arsenal Targets Manchester United's James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye

Arsenal are preparing another raid on Manchester United’s academy as they close in on Habeeb Ogunneye and push hard to land winger James Scanlon.

The north London club have agreed a deal for right-back Ogunneye and are now set for fresh talks with United over Scanlon, who has become a key target in their renewed drive to stockpile elite youth talent.

Arsenal turn to youth – and to United

Scanlon, 19, has shot up Arsenal’s wishlist. Leicester-born but a full Gibraltar international, he already has 24 senior caps and spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two Swindon, where his direct running and versatility caught the eye.

Arsenal believe the player is sold on the move. Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block, with Scanlon understood to be keen on heading to north London. The real work lies in striking a fee with United, though there is optimism at London Colney that talks can move quickly over the next 72 hours.

This is not a scattergun punt. Two influential voices inside the club have driven the pursuit.

Chris Perkins, appointed in 2023 as Arsenal’s 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 and marking him down as one to follow.

Then came a powerful second endorsement. David Horseman, confirmed this week as the new head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21s, has also pushed strongly for Scanlon. Horseman joined the club a year ago as elite player development coach, taking charge of the U19s in the UEFA Youth League and the U21s in the EFL Trophy. Before that brief Arsenal stint, he worked at United, where he had direct experience of Scanlon and left impressed by his potential.

Those two recommendations have helped turn interest into a serious attempt to sign the teenager.

Ogunneye deal lined up

While talks continue over Scanlon, Arsenal’s move for Ogunneye is already at the medical stage.

The 20-year-old right-back, who has been named in several United first-team matchday squads under Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 campaign, spent the first half of last season on loan at Newport County in League Two before United recalled him in January.

Arsenal have scheduled a medical for Thursday, with an official announcement expected over the weekend. Ogunneye will join on a free transfer, but United have secured a 40 per cent sell-on clause, a clear bet that his value could rise sharply if he kicks on in north London.

The plan is for him to link up immediately with the Under-21s while also training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team group, dropping into a pathway that has already propelled several youngsters towards senior minutes.

Two signings, one source club, and a clear pattern emerging. Arsenal are not just chasing the present under Arteta; they are quietly building the next wave behind it.