Arsenal have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye, sealing their second raid on the Old Trafford academy in as many days.
The 20-year-old right-back follows James Scanlon to north London and will initially link up with Arsenal’s Under-21 side while earning opportunities to train with Mikel Arteta‘s first team.
Ogunneye arrives with senior experience from a loan spell at Newport County and has represented England at Under-17 level.
Habeeb Ogunneye completes Arsenal move
Manchester United have confirmed Ogunneye’s permanent move to Arsenal, bringing his long association with the club to an end.
The defender progressed through United’s academy and featured regularly at Under-18 and Under-21 level.
He was also included in a number of Erik ten Hag’s senior matchday squads during the 2023/24 campaign without making his competitive first-team debut.
Ogunneye gained his first sustained taste of senior football last season after joining Newport County on loan, making 21 appearances according to Manchester United.
The Standard previously reported that Arsenal had reached a full agreement with United, with Ogunneye completing his medical before joining on a free transfer.
United retain a 40 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Ogunneye reveals why he chose Arsenal
The opportunity available to young players in north London played a significant role in Ogunneye’s decision.
The Hackney-born defender described signing for Arsenal as a “full-circle moment” because of his family’s connections to the area.
He was even clearer about Arsenal’s interest.
“It’s a no-brainer.”
Ogunneye explained that seeing young Arsenal players progress towards Arteta’s senior squad made him want to become part of the same pathway.
His arrival comes only a day after Arsenal signed 24-cap Gibraltar international James Scanlon from Manchester United.
The Gunners have invested heavily in emerging talent this summer, also adding Axel Donczew and Igor Tyjon while securing Marli Salmon’s future.
Ogunneye will begin with Arsenal’s Under-21s, but first-team training gives the defender an immediate opportunity to impress Arteta.
After leaving United in search of the next stage of his career, Arsenal have provided him with exactly that route.
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