Arsenal sign former Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye on free transfer

Arsenal have completed the free-transfer signing of Nigerian-born defender Habeeb Ogunneye from Manchester United as they continue to strengthen their academy and youth structure.

The right-back agreed terms with the Gunners after ending a five-year association with United, where he developed through the club’s academy system. Ogunneye was born to Nigerian parents but has represented England at youth level.

He completed a medical at Arsenal’s training ground last week after the two clubs reached a full agreement over the move. Manchester United will retain a 40% sell-on clause as part of the deal.

Ogunneye is expected to begin his time at Arsenal with the Under-21 side. He will also have the opportunity to train with manager Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad as he continues his bid to establish himself in senior football.

The defender had been included in Manchester United’s first-team squad on several occasions during his time at the club. However, he did not make a senior competitive appearance for United before leaving Old Trafford.

His departure marks the end of a five-year spell with the club. In a farewell message published on social media, Ogunneye thanked Manchester United for the memories he made during his time there and described the move to Arsenal as the start of a new chapter in his career.

The transfer reflects Arsenal’s renewed focus on recruiting young players and improving the route from academy football to the first team. The club have increasingly sought to develop emerging talent within their own system while creating opportunities for promising players to work alongside Arteta’s senior squad.

For Ogunneye, the move to north London provides a fresh opportunity to continue his development at a club with a growing record of giving academy graduates a pathway into senior football.

Arsenal’s decision to bring in the former United defender adds further depth to their youth ranks, while the sell-on arrangement ensures Manchester United could benefit financially from any future transfer involving the player. Ogunneye will now look to settle into Arsenal’s Under-21 set-up and use his chances around the first team to progress towards senior football.

The move ends his period at Manchester United without a competitive first-team appearance, but gives the England youth international the chance to begin again at Arsenal and continue his development at a club that is seeking to build a stronger connection between its academy and senior squad.