Aug 19, 2026 3:45 PM
Arsenal are said to be confident in their pursuit of two Manchester United academy players.
Manchester United have been active in the transfer market this summer, despite calls from the fans to add more to Michael Carrick's first-team squad ahead of the return to the Champions League.
However, plenty of the business has been academy-related, and it looks like there could be more of that on the way soon.
Cristian Orozco signed for Manchester United permanently this summer and has featured several times for the Under-21s since.
The defensive midfielder agreed to move to the club last year, but age restrictions prevented him from signing officially until last month.
Kit Margeston has also moved to Old Trafford to add to the exciting goalkeeping talent at the club, but it seems the Red Devils could be set to lose some academy stars of their own.
Arsenal eye Man Utd duo
This business has been done the other way in the past. It was not too long ago that Manchester United prized Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi away from the Emirates. But it seems Arsenal are trying to get one back.
Sam Dean of the Telegraph has reported that Arsenal are pursuing deals for Manchester United duo James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
They are said to be confident that they will get both deals done, with the transfer window closing in 13 days' time.
Scanlon has represented Gibraltar's senior side on multiple occasions and has impressed in the Under-21s side, while Ogunneye recently spent time with Newport County on loan.
Man Utd need to improve academy selling
While losing both Scanlon and Ogunneye would be a blow for Manchester United, securing decent fees and future clauses could work out well for Michael Carrick's side.
However, in recent years, selling academy talent has not been a strength at Old Trafford. Several players have left the club for very little fees, but across Manchester, City are selling academy stars who have not played first-team football for over £10 million.
United have recruited from City in their transfer and data departments – most notably Jason Wilcox – so this should improve, and it seems to have already.
Radek Vitek has been sold to Middlesbrough for £7 million, plus a further £7 million in add-ons.
While fans were hoping for more for the talented shotstopper, that fee is not bad for a goalkeeper in the Championship.
It has been reported that United have sell-on clauses and buy-back options, too.
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