Arsenal Target Manchester United Youth Duo in Late Summer Academy Raid

Arsenal have targeted Manchester United’s developmental ranks as part of a late-window academy overhaul, with the London club confident of securing prospect duo James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye before the transfer window closes, according to reports from The Telegraph.

The Gunners have already completed significant additions to their senior squad this summer. Following their arrivals, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes turned in impressive performances in last weekend’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

Arsenal are also closing in on an agreement for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa. Further business remains planned before the September 1 deadline, as the club continues to explore options for a marquee forward.

At the same time, the London club has initiated an aggressive recruitment strategy aimed at bolstering its youth system. Deals are already nearing completion for Cardiff City prospect Axel Donczew and Liverpool starlet Vincent Joseph.

The Telegraph reports that Arsenal hold strong confidence in finalizing agreements for both Scanlon and Ogunneye. Scanlon, who has already amassed 24 international caps for Gibraltar, has agreed to a two-year contract containing an option for a 12-month extension.

Scanlon is viewed as a prominent prospect within United’s youth hierarchy. The 19-year-old natural left winger spent the second half of last season on loan with Swindon Town in League Two.

Although his spell with Swindon proved quiet, producing one goal in six appearances, Arsenal retain strong faith in his potential. Upon completing his move, the teenager is expected to join Arsenal’s Under 21s squad for the upcoming season.

Ogunneye features primarily as a right-back. He recorded 21 appearances while on loan at Newport County in League Two during the first half of last term before being recalled by the Red Devils after the turn of the year, and he is also slated to join the Under 21s group at Arsenal.

Having previously lost Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Manchester United, Arsenal have an opportunity to counter those departures by securing Scanlon and Ogunneye, both of whom have entered the final year of their contracts at Old Trafford.

Cross-club youth acquisitions among top Premier League sides have accelerated under Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) guidelines, which allow competing academies to target top prospects entering the final 12 months of their youth contracts.

Financial terms for the pair are expected to remain limited, following the precedent set when Arsenal accepted a compensation fee of just over £1 million for Heaven last year.