Arsenal Targets Gibraltar International Scanlon in Youth Rebuild

Arsenal’s recruitment drive at youth level is kicking up a gear – and 19-year-old winger Scanlon has been pushed to the front of the queue.

The Leicester-born wide man, on the books at United, has emerged as a serious target as the Gunners look to refresh their next generation. He spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Swindon, and already has 24 senior caps for Gibraltar, who he represents through his mother.

Arsenal are understood to be relaxed about the personal side of the deal. Scanlon is keen on a move to north London and there is confidence that agreeing terms with the player will not be a stumbling block.

The real work is with United. Talks over a fee are ongoing, but Arsenal want this to move quickly and hope the deal can accelerate over the next 72 hours.

Key Figures in the Pursuit

Inside the club, two figures in particular are driving the pursuit.

• Chris Perkins: Who arrived at Arsenal in 2023 as a professional development phase scout, has tracked Scanlon for years. Perkins was head of academy recruitment at Derby for six seasons while the winger was coming through the age groups there, and has remained a firm admirer of his talent and mentality.
• David Horseman: Appointed earlier this week as the new head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21s, he has strongly recommended Scanlon to the club’s hierarchy. Horseman joined Arsenal a year ago as elite player development coach, taking charge of the U19s in the UEFA Youth League and the U21s in the EFL Trophy.

Before that, he had a brief spell at United, where he worked directly with Scanlon and came away impressed by his qualities. His endorsement has added extra weight to Arsenal’s push.

And Scanlon may not be the only arrival from United.

Arsenal are also targeting right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, raising the prospect of a double swoop. Ogunneye spent the first half of last season on loan at fourth-tier Newport before being recalled in January, and fits the same profile: young, battle-tested in senior football, and viewed as a development project with a high ceiling.

Arsenal’s senior squad continues to chase trophies. Behind it, the next layer is being quietly – and aggressively – rebuilt.