Arsenal in talks to sign two Manchester United academy players

Arsenal are in advanced discussions with Manchester United to sign two of their promising academy players, 19-year-old winger James Scanlon and 20-year-old right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, as part of an aggressive youth recruitment drive. The Premier League champions are confident agreements can be reached for both youngsters before the summer transfer window closes.

The move represents a notable reversal in the transfer dynamic between the two rivals. United have previously recruited top prospects from Arsenal's academy, including Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, and Arsenal now appear prepared to operate in a similar manner. Discussions are ongoing with United over a fee for Scanlon, with Arsenal hoping the situation will accelerate quickly. The club is also pursuing Ogunneye, who spent the first half of last season on loan at League Two side Newport County before being recalled in January.

Scanlon, a Leicester-born teenager who qualifies for Gibraltar through his mother, has already been capped 24 times at senior international level. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town, where he made six league appearances and scored one goal. At United, he scored 14 goals...