James Scanlon was at Derby County for five years.
James Scanlon(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
View Image
Former Derby County prospect James Scanlon has been linked with a move to Arsenal as Manchester United battle to keep hold of him and Habeeb Ogunneye. Scanlon left Derby for Old Trafford in 2023, having spent seven years in the Rams' youth system.
The Leicester-born midfielder has steadily climbed the ranks at United and has spent time on loan at League Two club Swindon Town. Now it is claimed that Arsenal are keen on taking him to the Emirates stadium along with defender Ogunnyeye as part of the club's attempt to recruit promising youngsters.
Scanlon signed his first professional contract with United in May 2024 and featured extensively for their U18 and U21 squads, alongside gaining senior international caps for Gibraltar. He achieved a major milestone in March last year when he was named in United's senior matchday squad for the first time during a UEFA Europa League tie against Real Sociedad
In the 2024/25 campaign, he scored an incredible 14 goals in just 14 league games, alongside scoring three goals in five FA Youth Cup appearances. Scanlon then joined Swindon back in February on deadline day. He made his professional club debut the very next day in a clash against Harrogate Town. He made six appearances in the league and scored one goal.
Which academy player do you regret losing most? Have your say HERE