Arsenal Targets James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye
Arsenal are preparing another raid on Manchester United’s academy as they step up their bid to sign James Scanlon, having already struck a deal for right-back Habeeb Ogunneye.
Arsenal double down on youth
The push is part of a sharpened drive in north London to strengthen at youth level, and 19-year-old winger Scanlon has quickly moved towards the top of Arsenal’s list.
Born in Leicester but capped 24 times by Gibraltar at senior level, Scanlon caught the eye during the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Swindon. His mix of experience and potential has turned him into a serious target for the Gunners.
Arsenal do not expect personal terms to be a stumbling block. Scanlon is understood to be keen on a move to north London, and the club are optimistic that an agreement on his side will come easily.
The real work lies with United. Talks over a fee are ongoing, with Arsenal hopeful that negotiations will pick up speed over the next 72 hours.
Inside the Scanlon push
Two figures in particular are driving Arsenal’s pursuit.
Chris Perkins, who arrived at Arsenal in 2023 as a professional development phase scout, has admired Scanlon for years. Perkins spent six years as head of academy recruitment at Derby, overseeing the winger’s rise through the youth ranks there and tracking his progress closely.
Then there is David Horseman. Appointed earlier this week as head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21s, Horseman has also strongly recommended Scanlon to the club.
Horseman joined Arsenal 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, he had a short spell at United, where he worked directly with Scanlon and came away impressed by his qualities.
That combination of long-term scouting and first-hand coaching experience has pushed Arsenal to move decisively.
Ogunneye deal nearing completion
Scanlon is not the only United youngster on their radar. Arsenal are on the verge of completing a move for Habeeb Ogunneye, turning the pursuit into a potential double swoop.
The 20-year-old right-back, who featured in several first-team matchday squads under Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 campaign, spent the first half of last season on loan at fourth-tier Newport before United recalled him in January.
Standard Sport understands that Arsenal have scheduled a medical for Ogunneye on Thursday, with an official announcement expected over the weekend.
Ogunneye will join on a free transfer, with United securing a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement. He is set to link up with the Under-21s while also training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal’s senior side continues to chase trophies, but the message from the academy is just as clear: the next wave is being assembled now, and they are not afraid to take it straight from a rival’s doorstep.
