Arsenal exploring moves for two players from fierce rivals
Arsenal are working on deals to sign Manchester United youngsters James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye as the club continue an aggressive recruitment drive for emerging talent.
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal are increasingly confident of reaching agreements for the two players before the summer transfer window closes.
Scanlon is a 19-year-old winger and attacking midfielder who joined Manchester United’s academy after previously developing at Derby County.
The Gibraltar international has already accumulated significant senior experience for his country, making 24 appearances despite still being a teenager.
Scanlon was particularly productive at academy level during 2024/25, scoring 14 goals in as many Under-18 Premier League appearances and adding three more in five FA Youth Cup matches.
He subsequently spent the second half of last season on loan with Swindon Town, making six League Two appearances and scoring once before returning to Old Trafford.
Ogunneye would offer Arsenal a defensive prospect with senior experience after the 20-year-old spent part of last season on loan at Newport County.
The London-born right-back made 15 league appearances during that spell and scored once before Manchester United recalled him in January.
Ogunneye has yet to make his competitive senior debut for United but has previously been included in first-team squads, notably featuring on the bench for their 2024 FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City.
Arsenal’s interest in the pair is particularly notable after United recruited two highly regarded prospects from the Gunners in recent years.
Ayden Heaven left Arsenal for Old Trafford in January 2025, while Chido Obi made the same journey several months earlier after deciding against signing professional terms in north London.
Arsenal now appear determined to strengthen their own development ranks by recruiting some of the country’s most promising young players from rival academies.
The Gunners have also moved for Crystal Palace forward Mylo Bernard and Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew, while Elijah Upson joined after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.
Scanlon and Ogunneye would represent slightly different additions because both have already experienced senior football through loan spells.
Their potential arrivals would therefore further underline Arsenal’s attempt to create a stronger pathway of players capable of either challenging for first-team opportunities or developing into valuable assets.
The post Arsenal exploring moves for two players from fierce rivals first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
