Arsenal have agreed to sign Manchester United right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, with the 20-year-old expected to be announced within the next 48 hours. The deal could form part of a double academy announcement alongside striker Igor Tyjon.
The Standard reports that Arsenal and United have reached a full agreement for Ogunneye to join on a free transfer. United will retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause.
Ogunneye visited Arsenal’s training ground last Thursday and completed his medical. He is expected to join the club’s Under-21s while receiving opportunities to train with the first team.
Arsenal are working to complete the signings of Manchester United academy players James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
The north London club are confident of finalising deals for both Scanlon, a 19-year-old winger, and 20-year-old right-back Ogunneye.
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Habeeb Ogunneye Arsenal transfer includes sell-on clause
The defender has spent most of his development at United and gained senior experience during a loan at Newport County last season.
Newport described Ogunneye as a promising right-back when announcing his arrival from Old Trafford. He has also represented England at Under-17 level and previously featured among United’s first-team substitutes.
United’s substantial sell-on clause gives them a financial interest in Ogunneye’s future despite allowing him to leave without an initial fee.
Arsenal have already agreed a deal worth up to £3 million for Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon. The agreement includes an initial £1 million payment and a further £2 million in potential add-ons.
The 18-year-old completed his medical last week, with his announcement also expected within the coming days.
Arsenal remain in talks over James Scanlon
Arsenal are separately pursuing another United academy prospect, James Scanlon. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has already collected 24 senior caps for Gibraltar and spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town.
However, no agreement has been reached between the clubs for Scanlon. Personal terms are not expected to present a problem, but negotiations remain ongoing.
The activity continues a broader academy recruitment drive after Arsenal agreed to sign Crystal Palace prospect Mylo Bernard.
There could also be movement in the opposite direction, with several clubs pursuing Ethan Nwaneri on loan.
For now, Ogunneye and Tyjon are the two deals approaching completion. Scanlon remains a separate negotiation.
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