Attacking midfielder James Scanlon was presented as an Arsenal player on Saturday.
Arsenal have completed the transfer of James Scanlon from Manchester United – and it looks like he is unlikely to be the only academy product to swap Old Trafford for the Emirates this summer.
Read: Aston Villa with shocking bid for Manchester United star – no one saw this coming
Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two club Swindon Town, where he helped the Robins finish ninth.
He returned to United in the summer, but on Saturday afternoon the teenager was presented as an Arsenal player. “It’s a pleasure to be here, I’m really looking forward to getting started,” he told the club’s official website.
Scanlon was also asked what “encouraged him” to choose Arsenal over United – and the answer was clear.
“I think you can see where the club is right now – it’s very positive, and I think it’s only going to get better,” he said.
“You can see that everyone here is hungry for more, hungry to get better – and I think that’s something I can contribute with, and that I really want to be a part of.”
Describing himself as a creative player, Scanlon added:
“I like to score goals, I like to assist – so hopefully I can excite those who watch me play. That’s exactly what I’m here for.
The winger, who made his debut for Gibraltar’s national team in 2024, never made a first-team appearance for United – but was called up to the squad for the European Cup match against Real Sociedad in March 2025.
James Scanlon is likely to be followed by another Man Utd academy product in a matter of days
In addition to Scanlon, Arsenal are also expected to secure the signature of defender Habeeb Ogunneye.
Ogunneye, who started for United’s U21 team in a friendly against Altrincham last month, will primarily be associated with Arsenal’s U21 squad – but he is also expected to train with the first team, according to Standard.
The 20-year-old wrote a farewell letter to United this week.
On social media, he wrote:
– 15 years. What a journey. Forever grateful for the memories, the people and everything this club has given me. Now it’s time for the next chapter.
The Premier League duel of all time: red Alexander Sørloth against sky blue Erling Haaland
