Arsenal have completed the permanent signing of Gibraltar international James Scanlon from Manchester United as the club continue to strengthen their academy ranks.
The 19-year-old winger arrives in north London with 24 senior international caps already behind him and first-team experience from a loan spell at Swindon Town.
Manchester United have confirmed Scanlon’s permanent departure to Arsenal, bringing his five-year spell at Old Trafford to an end.
Welcome to The Arsenal, James! đź‘‹
Gibraltar international James Scanlon is ready to begin a new chapter as a Gunner 👇
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) August 29, 2026
James Scanlon completes Arsenal move from Man Utd
Scanlon joined United from Derby County in 2021 but did not make a competitive first-team appearance for the club.
He was, however, named among the substitutes for a Europa League tie against Real Sociedad before spending the second half of last season on loan at Swindon.
The winger scored his first senior club goal during that spell and gained valuable experience in League Two.
Despite being only 19, Scanlon has also already represented Gibraltar 24 times at senior level, including appearances in World Cup qualifying and the Nations League.
He qualifies for Gibraltar through his mother and has established himself as a regular at international level.
The Standard reports that Arsenal have signed Scanlon on a free transfer, with Manchester United retaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause.
Scanlon explains why he chose Arsenal
Scanlon will initially join Arsenal’s Under-21 group rather than heading immediately back out on loan.
The teenager has described himself as a creative player who wants to contribute goals and assists, while Arsenal’s ambition was a significant attraction.
“You can see that everyone here is hungrier for more.”
Scanlon also said he wants to improve and show Arsenal supporters what he can do after completing the switch.
His arrival continues a significant period of investment in Arsenal’s younger age groups.
The Gunners have already secured several emerging talents this summer, while Marli Salmon signed his first professional Arsenal contract on Saturday.
Arsenal have also agreed a future move for highly-rated Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili.
Scanlon brings something slightly different because he already possesses considerable experience of senior football.
The immediate target will be establishing himself with Arsenal’s U21s, but the long-term ambition is clear: put himself into contention for Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
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