Arsenal have completed the signings of James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United as the Gunners continue to strengthen their academy and develop young players for the first team.

Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, joined Arsenal on Saturday, while the club announced the signing of 20-year-old defender Ogunneye on Sunday.

Neither player made a senior appearance for Manchester United, but both gained valuable first-team experience during loan spells in League Two last season.

Scanlon, an England-born winger who represents Gibraltar internationally, said Arsenal’s recent progress played a key 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 said.

The 19-year-old, who can play on the left wing or as a No. 10, added that he was attracted by the club’s ambition and desire for continued improvement.

“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 said.

Ogunneye, a right-back who spent last season on loan at Newport County, said Arsenal’s reputation for promoting academy players convinced him to make the move.

“When I heard Arsenal were interested in me, I said to my agents it’s a no-brainer,” he said.

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 graduates from their Hale End academy, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman among the young players making their way into the senior squad.

The signings also represent a reversal of the move made by Ayden Heaven, who left Arsenal for Manchester United in January 2025 in search of greater first-team opportunities.

The arrivals of Scanlon and Ogunneye form part of Arsenal’s broader strategy of recruiting promising young players with the potential to eventually break into the senior team.

Arsenal Sign Two Manchester United Youngsters to Boost Academy

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