Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Arsenal have completed the double signing of young prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Premier League rivals Manchester United, continuing their aggressive recruitment drive to strengthen the club's academy and create a clear pathway for young players into Mikel Arteta's first team. The Gunners confirmed the arrival of Scanlon, a 19-year-old Gibraltar international winger, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The following day, Arsenal announced the capture of 20-year-old defender Habeeb Ogunneye, marking a swift and decisive move to poach two of Manchester United's most promising academy talents.
Both players arrive in north London with valuable senior experience gained during loan spells in League Two last season. Scanlon spent the second half of the 2025/26 campaign at Swindon Town, where he gained regular first-team minutes. Ogunneye, a right-back, spent the first half of last season on loan at Newport County, making 15 appearances and scoring once. "It was great, my first season in men's football, [learning about] the physicality, the recovery side, it was a great experience," Ogunneye said of his time at Newport.
The signings represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who are looking to replicate the success of their Hale End academy, which has produced first-team regulars such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman. Scanlon, who came through the academy at Derby County before joining Manchester United in 2021, expressed his excitement about the move. "It's a pleasure to be here, I can't wait to get started," Scanlon said. "I've been waiting to get this over the line, so I'm buzzing to be here. You can see where the club's at, [it's] really positive and I think it's only going to get better". The winger, who has already earned 24 caps for Gibraltar, described himself as a creative player who likes to score goals and provide assists.
Ogunneye, born in Hackney, described the move as a "full-circle moment" as he returns to north London where his family still lives. "When I heard [Arsenal] were interested in me, I said to my agents it's a no-brainer," Ogunneye said. "Seeing all the young players that are coming through as well, so I just wanted to come straight away". The young full-back, who has represented England at under-17 level, admitted that Arsenal's reputation for developing academy players was a major factor behind his decision to join the club.
Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, and Ogunneye, who will be 21 in November, are expected to initially link up with Arsenal's Under-21 squad while also having opportunities to train with the first team. Ogunneye has been assigned the No. 62 shirt for EFL Trophy matches. Both players left Old Trafford without making a competitive senior appearance for Manchester United, despite Ogunneye being included in the matchday squad on 10 occasions. Scanlon was included in United's UEFA Europa League squad for a match against Real Sociedad in March 2025 but did not feature.
The transfers are understood to include sell-on clauses for Manchester United, with reports indicating a 50 per cent sell-on clause for Scanlon and a 40 per cent clause for Ogunneye. Arsenal did not disclose the financial terms or the duration of the contracts. The double swoop follows Arsenal's recent signing of other young talents, including Igor Tyjon and Axel Donczew, as the Gunners continue to invest in youth. The strategic recruitment marks a shift from the decision of Ayden Heaven, who left Arsenal for Manchester United in January 2025 in search of clearer first-team opportunities.
The signings of Scanlon and Ogunneye send a clear message that Arsenal are committed to building for the long term while maintaining their status as Premier League champions. For Manchester United, the loss of two promising academy graduates to a direct rival will be a bitter pill to swallow, particularly as both players cited Arsenal's track record of developing young talent as a key factor in their decision to leave Old Trafford. As Scanlon himself put it, "everyone here is hungrier for more, hungrier to get better and I think that's something I believe I can add to and want to be a part of as well".
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