Arsenal have strengthened their academy setup with the additions of James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United.
The Gunners are continuing to build a pathway for promising young players to progress into the senior squad, with both youngsters arriving after gaining experience away from Old Trafford.
Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, completed his move to Arsenal on Saturday, while 20-year-old defender Ogunneye joined the following day.
Neither player featured for Manchester United’s first team, but both spent last season on loan in League Two, gaining valuable senior experience.
Scanlon, an England-born winger who plays international football for Gibraltar, can operate on the left flank or behind the striker.
He has also earned 24 caps for Gibraltar and says Arsenal’s recent progress played a major role in his decision to move to north London.
“I think you can see where the club’s at, it’s really positive and I think it’s only going to get better.”
He added, “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.”
Ogunneye, meanwhile, arrives after spending the previous season with Newport County on loan.
The right-back said Arsenal’s history of giving academy graduates opportunities at senior level made the move an easy decision.
“When I heard Arsenal were interested in me, I said to my agents it’s a no-brainer.”
He added, “Seeing all the young players that are coming through as well, I just wanted to come straight away. I just wanted to be part of that group, and win games together.”
Arsenal have increasingly turned to their Hale End academy, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman among the young players making progress towards the first team.
The two signings also reverse the recent movement between the clubs involving young talent, after Ayden Heaven left Arsenal for Manchester United in January 2025 in pursuit of greater first-team opportunities.
Scanlon and Ogunneye now become the latest additions to Arsenal’s strategy of recruiting young prospects capable of developing into senior-team players.
