Arsenal is looking at a double signing of young players from Manchester United.

Arsenal is preparing a bold move to change the course of its relationship with Manchester United by targeting two young talents from the Red Devils' academy before the close of the summer transfer window. The chosen targets are James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye, with the London club confident that it can reach agreements for the signing of both players.

The situation is particularly interesting, as Manchester United had previously recruited Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal's academy, making this pursuit appear to be a reversal of roles between the two rival teams. According to The Telegraph, Arsenal is working on negotiations for Scanlon, a 19-year-old winger, and Ogunneye, a 20-year-old right-back, with increasing optimism that both transfers could be finalized.

Scanlon is said to have agreed on personal terms for a two-year contract, with reports indicating that Arsenal would have an option for an additional season. The Gibraltar international spent part of last season on loan at Swindon Town, where he gained valuable experience. On the other hand, Ogunneye made 21 appearances while on loan at Newport County before being recalled by United in January. Although he has yet to make his first-team debut, he has already been included in first-team matchday squads.

The interest of Arsenal in both players is primarily aimed at strengthening their academy and the Under-21 structure. Although these are not standout transfers for the first team, this move reveals a lot about the recruitment strategy of the London club. The loss of Obi and Heaven to Manchester United highlighted the aggressiveness with which rival clubs can pursue young talents from the academy.

Scanlon is particularly promising, given that he already has international and loan experience, while Ogunneye provides depth in a position that Arsenal aims to strengthen across their youth ranks. The fact that both players come directly from United adds an extra layer of rivalry to this narrative.

Although there are no guarantees that either player will become a regular in Arsenal's first team, the priority in academy recruitment is to create options. Even if one of them develops into a senior team player or generates a future transfer fee, these signings could prove beneficial in the long run. Arsenal's move reflects a shift in mindset and a renewed ambition in the quest for talent.