Arsenal have completed the signings of James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United, as the Gunners intensify efforts to strengthen their academy and create a pathway for young players into the first team.
Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, joined Arsenal on Saturday, while 20-year-old defender Ogunneye was announced as a new signing the following day.
Neither player made a senior appearance for Manchester United, but both gained first-team experience in League Two during loan spells last season.
Scanlon, an England-born winger who represents Gibraltar internationally, said Arsenal’s recent progress influenced 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.”
Scanlon can operate on the left wing or as a number 10 and has already earned 24 international caps for Gibraltar.
Ogunneye, a right-back who spent last season on loan at Newport County, said Arsenal’s record of promoting academy players convinced him to make the switch.
“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 relied on young players from their Hale End academy, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman among those to have progressed towards the senior squad.
The moves also represent a reversal of the direction taken by Ayden Heaven, who left Arsenal for Manchester United in January 2025 in search of a clearer route into first-team football.
The recruitment of Scanlon and Ogunneye forms part of Arsenal’s wider strategy of bringing in young talent with ambitions of eventually breaking into the senior team.
Transfer: Arsenal sign two Manchester United youngsters in academy recruitment drive