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Arsenal target Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye in summer transfer move
Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye during the current summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Premier League champions are interested in the 20-year-old as they continue to strengthen their youth setup with promising young players. A move for Ogunneye would come after Arsenal lost two highly rated youngsters, Ayden Heaven and striker Chido Obi, to Manchester United in recent seasons.
Ogunneye spent the first part of last season on loan at Newport County, where he made 21 appearances in all competitions and provided one assist. Manchester United recalled him during the winter window in January.
According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are monitoring Ogunneye’s situation and are also keeping track of young forward James Scanlon. The Gunners are reportedly confident of completing deals for both players as they pursue an aggressive recruitment strategy focused on emerging talent.
Despite being included in several Manchester United matchday squads, Ogunneye has yet to make his senior debut for the club. He was part of the squad for United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City in 2024.
The defender’s time at Newport County provided valuable first-team experience, but he is now considering his next step as he looks for a clearer route into senior football. Arsenal are understood to offer a potential pathway to first-team opportunities at Emirates Stadium while allowing him to continue his development at the highest level.
Arsenal have built a strong reputation for bringing young players through into their senior side. Bukayo Saka progressed through the club’s academy before becoming an established first-team player, while Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman have also emerged as examples of the club’s commitment to youth development in recent years.
That record is likely to be an important factor as Ogunneye weighs up a possible move from Manchester United. Although he has not yet played for United’s first team, his experience of being involved in matchday squads and his loan spell in the National League provide the foundation for his continued progress.
Arsenal’s interest forms part of their wider work in the transfer market this summer, with the club seeking to add young players capable of developing into senior professionals. The proposed move would also underline the importance they place on strengthening their academy after seeing Heaven and Chido Obi join Manchester United.
Ogunneye will reportedly consider the opportunity as he assesses where he can best secure regular first-team football and continue his development. Arsenal remain hopeful of reaching agreements for both the defender and Scanlon.
