Arsenal are looking to turn the tables on Manchester United by targeting two of the Red Devils’ promising academy players before the summer transfer window closes.
James Scanlon and Habeet Ogunneye have emerged as primary targets for the reigning Premier League champions, with confidence building that agreements can be secured for both youngsters.
The move takes an intriguing direction following United’s earlier acquisition of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal’s academy, marking what appears to be a reversal of roles between the historic rivals.
Arsenal are confident of signing United duo
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are actively negotiating deals for 19‑year‑old winger Scanlon and 20‑year‑old right‑back Ogunneye, with optimism mounting that both transfers will become finalized.
Scanlon has already concluded personal negotiations for a two‑year contract, and reports suggest Arsenal would also retain an option for an additional season.
The Gibraltar international spent part of the previous campaign on loan at Swindon Town, gaining valuable senior exposure away from Old Trafford.
The Sun adds that Ogunneye logged 21 appearances on loan at Newport County before being recalled by United in January.
Although he has yet to secure a senior United appearance, he has featured regularly in first‑team matchday squads recently.
Arsenal’s bid targets both players as part of a broader, aggressive initiative to bolster the club’s overall academy and Under‑21 infrastructure.
Gunners strategy shows aggressive approach in market
This may not represent headline‑first‑team transfers, but Arsenal’s interest sheds light on their wider recruitment philosophy.
Losing Obi and heaven to Manchester United underscored how ruthlessly rival clubs can pursue promising academy talent.
Arsenal now appear prepared to mirror this aggression, identifying promising youngsters elsewhere whom they suspect have stalled their development pathways.
Scanlon stands out due to existing international and senior loan experience, while Ogunneye offers depth in a position Arsenal seek to reinforce across their youth ranks.
A key factor in this pursuit is that both athletes are arriving directly from United, adding another layer to the narrative.
There remain no guarantees that either player will instantly cement themselves as first‑team regulars, and such expectations should be tempered initially.
However, academy recruitment focuses on generating options rather than immediate fortunes – even if one evolves into a senior squad mainstay or ultimately yields a transfer fee, the investments could prove fruitful.
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