Arsenal set to sign highly-rated Man Utd youngster after completed medical
James Scanlon has completed his medical ahead of a move to Arsenal as the Gunners close in on another addition to their increasingly strengthened academy ranks.
The 19-year-old is expected to join from Manchester United on a free transfer, with the two clubs now working to finalise the remaining details of the agreement.
According to The Standard, United will retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal, which could be completed within the next 48 hours.
Scanlon is not expected to immediately leave on loan, with Arsenal instead planning to integrate him into their Under-21 side under newly-appointed head coach David Horseman.
The Gibraltar international will also hope to quickly demonstrate that he is capable of pushing towards Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.
Horseman is understood to have played an important role in Arsenal’s pursuit after briefly working with Scanlon during his time at Manchester United and recommending the teenager to his new club.
Professional development phase scout Chris Perkins is another significant admirer, having known Scanlon from his time overseeing academy recruitment at Derby County.
The Leicester-born attacker developed at Derby before moving into United’s academy, where he has emerged as a versatile option capable of operating on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.
Scanlon enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign at youth level, scoring 14 goals in as many Under-18 Premier League appearances and another three times during five FA Youth Cup outings.
He subsequently spent the second half of last season gaining senior experience on loan with Swindon Town in League Two.
Scanlon’s development has also been accelerated by international football, having already accumulated 24 senior appearances for Gibraltar.
He became one of the youngest goalscorers in UEFA Nations League history when he struck against Liechtenstein in September 2024 at 17 years and 346 days.
That progress has generated attention beyond England, with Sevilla reportedly interested in signing him permanently in January before United instead sanctioned the Swindon loan.
Arsenal have now moved decisively as part of a wider attempt to raise the standard of their Under-21 group and strengthen the pathway towards Arteta’s senior squad.
Scanlon is also set to follow fellow United youngster Habeeb Ogunneye to north London, with the right-back having already undergone his Arsenal medical ahead of his own free transfer.
The Gunners are additionally closing in on Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon as their aggressive recruitment of promising young players continues.
Scanlon’s completed medical leaves only the final stages of his transfer outstanding, with Arsenal now expected to add another highly-rated prospect to their development ranks.
The post Arsenal set to sign highly-rated Man Utd youngster after completed medical first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
