Outside view of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Outside view of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arsenal are set to offer first-team training opportunities to Habeeb Ogunneye as part of their plans for him, with the youngster poised to join from Manchester United, according to journalist Matt Verri.
Having grown through the ranks at Manchester United’s Carrington academy, the right-back became a regular at both Under-21 and Under-18 level for the Red Devils.
Last summer, Ogunneye embarked on a loan spell with Newport County, providing a platform to further his development.
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During his time with the League Two outfit, Ogunneye accumulated 1,246 minutes across 15 appearances, making an impression under Dave Hughes.
However, following Hughes’ dismissal, the defender found first-team opportunities increasingly scarce and was recalled by Manchester United in January.
The defender remained at Carrington for the remainder of the season and entered the summer with just one year left on his contract.
Arsenal swiftly identified Ogunneye as an opportunity to bolster their youth ranks and moved quickly to secure an agreement.
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Manager Time at Club
Mikel Arteta 22nd December 2019 – present
Unai Emery 23rd May 2018 – 29th November 2019
Arsene Wenger 1st October 1996 – 13th May 2018
Bruce Rioch 15th June 1995 – 12th August 1996
George Graham 14th May 1986 – 21st February 1995
The right-back is now set to continue his development in north London.
The youngster’s move will be sanctioned as a free transfer, with Manchester United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause to benefit from any future departure.
As things stand, Arsenal intend to place Ogunneye within their Under-21 set-up, but have offered him an important tempter to join.
The defender will ‘get opportunities to train with the first team’ as part of his development plan at the club.
Whether that development plan eventually leads to a first-team debut for the Gunners remains to be seen, with the club set to assess how he is doing and what is needed.
The Gunners could well at some stage feel a loan is required.
Arsenal’s raid on Manchester United’s academy is not stopping with Ogunneye, with the Gunners also working towards an agreement for another youngster in James Scanlon, with a deal potentially being reached in the coming days.
At senior level, meanwhile, the north London outfit have just landed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa, further strengthening the squad that won the Premier League last term.