Arsenal schedule medical for Man Utd youngster and push for second signing
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye and will hold further talks as they attempt to make James Scanlon the second arrival from Old Trafford.
Standard Sport reports that Arsenal have agreed a deal for Ogunneye, with the 20-year-old scheduled to undergo his medical on Thursday before completing his move to north London.
The right-back is expected to join on a free transfer, with Manchester United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
An official announcement could follow over the weekend if everything proceeds as planned.
Ogunneye will initially link up with Arsenal’s Under-21 squad but is also expected to have opportunities to train with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s first team.
The defender already possesses senior experience after spending part of last season on loan at Newport County, where he made 21 appearances across competitions before being recalled in January. Manchester United also previously included him in several senior matchday squads.
Arsenal are now attempting to follow that agreement by securing Scanlon as part of their increasingly ambitious recruitment of emerging talent.
Further discussions with United over Scanlon are expected, and Arsenal reportedly hope negotiations can accelerate over the coming days.
Personal terms are not expected to present an obstacle, with the 19-year-old winger believed to be interested in moving to the Emirates Stadium.
Scanlon has already gained considerable international experience after making 24 senior appearances for Gibraltar, whom he represents through his mother.
He also spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town after progressing through Manchester United’s academy.
Arsenal professional development phase scout Chris Perkins is reportedly a major driving force behind the pursuit, having known Scanlon from his previous role as Derby County’s head of academy recruitment.
New Under-21 head coach David Horseman has also recommended Scanlon after working with the teenager during his own spell at Manchester United.
The pursuit fits Arsenal’s broader attempt to recruit promising players who could eventually develop into first-team options.
Arsenal previously lost highly-rated academy prospects Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United, but they are now increasingly confident of taking two young talents in the opposite direction.
Ogunneye’s impending medical means the first part of that double move is close to completion, with attention now turning towards reaching an agreement for Scanlon.
The post Arsenal schedule medical for Man Utd youngster and push for second signing first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
