Manchester United are facing the prospect of losing two academy players to Arsenal, with the Premier League champions reportedly working on deals for James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
According to Telegraph journalist Sam Dean, Arsenal are pursuing transfers for both United youngsters and believe agreements can be reached before the summer window closes.
The double approach represents an intriguing piece of business between two clubs who have already been linked with several moves involving each other’s players this summer.
For United, however, the focus will be on what the potential departures say about the pathways available to two Carrington prospects approaching an important stage of their development.
Arsenal confident of James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye deals
Scanlon is one of the more recognisable names within United’s development set-up.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has already become a senior Gibraltar international and spent part of last season on loan at Swindon Town.
His pathway towards Michael Carrick’s first team nevertheless remains crowded, particularly after United invested heavily in senior midfield additions this summer.
Ogunneye has also experienced senior football away from Old Trafford.
The right-back joined Newport County on loan last season after previously featuring around United’s senior set-up.
United have already faced decisions over several academy players this summer. ReadManUtd recently examined the uncertainty surrounding Godwill Kukonki after the highly-rated defender was absent when nine youngsters received professional contracts.
There is also an interesting backdrop to Arsenal’s interest.
ReadManUtd has extensively covered United’s own pursuit of Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Michael Carrick attracted to the England international’s ability to cover left-back and midfield.
Now Arsenal could potentially take two players in the opposite direction.
There is no indication yet that agreements for Scanlon or Ogunneye have been completed, and Dean’s report stops short of suggesting either move is imminent.
But Arsenal’s confidence that both transfers can be agreed makes this more significant than exploratory interest.
United may therefore have two more academy decisions to make before the window shuts.
