Arsenal working to snatch two academy prospects from Man Utd

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·20 August 2026

Arsenal working to snatch two academy prospects from Man Utd

Manchester United have made a habit of poaching players from Arsenal’s academy, having signed the likes of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven over the last year.

However, the Gunners now want to do the same and are targeting two players from the United youth system. Arsenal are reportedly close to signing both youngsters, with talks continuing to progress and the players having agreed to join the club in London.

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Arsenal Target United Youngsters

According to Football365, Arsenal are closing in on moves for both James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye, with the youngsters having agreed to join the Gunners. Both are regarded as impressive teenage talents coming through the ranks at United and have been tipped to succeed at senior level.

Arsenal will now hope to benefit from their potential if they fulfil those expectations. Hale End already has some of the best young players in the country, but the Gunners still see Scanlon and Ogunneye as talents who are too good to ignore.

The club are expected to continue advancing negotiations, and the report suggests there is only a slim chance of the moves breaking down. It is reportedly almost certain that both players will move to the Emirates and begin their development within Arsenal’s youth teams.

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Scanlon and Ogunneye Set for Arsenal

Scanlon is an attacking midfielder who spent the first half of 2026 on loan at Swindon Town. His experience away from United will have allowed him to gain regular football and continue his development before potentially joining Arsenal.

Ogunneye, meanwhile, plays as a right-back and spent last season on loan at Newport County. His experience in that position could make him an attractive addition to Arsenal’s youth system as the club continues to identify promising young players.

The potential moves would represent an interesting reversal of recent business between the two clubs. United have benefited from taking young talent from Arsenal, but the Gunners now appear ready to strengthen their own academy by bringing in two players from the Manchester club.

If the deals are completed as expected, Scanlon and Ogunneye will begin a new chapter at Arsenal, with both youngsters hoping to develop into senior players and eventually prove that the Gunners were right to pursue them.

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