Arsenal are poised to secure signatures from two of Manchester United’s promising young talents as they map out their future plans.
James Scanlon represents one of two Red Devils academy products on the verge of joining the north London club. The other individual heading for the Emirates is Habeen Ogynneye, with both players understood to have made the trip to the capital to finalise their respective switch.
Mikel Arteta’s side are targeting individuals capable of progression through the ranks and eventually establishing themselves in the senior setup. The club have already captured Elijah Upson, the offspring of former England international defender Matthew Upson, while also pursuing Crystal Palace youngster Mylo Bernard.
According to reports from our Manchester-based colleagues, both Scanlon and Ogynneye were present in London on Thursday to undergo medical assessments and complete the administrative side of their proposed transfers. The pair are anticipated to integrate into the under-21 group, where they will reunite with their former mentor David Horseman.
Scanlon, 19, operates as a left-sided wide player and has already accumulated 24 senior international appearances for Gibraltar, reflecting his mother’s country of origin. The previous campaign saw him spend the latter portion on temporary assignment at Swindon Town, finding the net once across six League Two outings.
Ogynneye, two decades old and primarily stationed at right back, began the last term on loan with League Two outfit Newport County. During that spell he made 21 appearances and contributed a single goal.
These are not the inaugural instances in recent memory where youthful talent has transferred between the two clubs. Twelve months previously, Manchester United prised striker Chido Obi away from Arsenal. The Old Trafford outfit also welcomed defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal at the beginning of this calendar year.
While recruitment efforts concentrate on emerging talents, Arsenal simultaneously intend to pursue established first-team acquisitions before the summer window shuts.
To date, the club have concluded agreements for Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis, and Bruno Guimaraes. Negotiations for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa are at an advanced stage.
Additional speculation surrounds potential moves for Julian Alvarez and Vinicius Junior. Addressing speculation regarding the transfer strategy during his media duties, Arteta offered his assessment.
He said the club are working intensively on several fronts. He added that, as he indicated recently, they remain committed to strengthening the group. He noted that they undoubtedly face a particular challenge in their defensive line, particularly given the serious setback affecting William Saliba and the additional absence of another centre-half that is evident to everyone. He said they are focused on addressing that specific weakness and that an announcement will follow once all details are finalised.