Arsenal are pursuing a move to sign Habeeb Ogunneye, a 20-year-old London-born defender currently on Manchester United's books, according to Telegraph Sport.

Ogunneye, who holds eligibility for both England and Nigeria, spent a portion of last season on loan at Newport County — making 21 appearances — before being recalled by United in January.

Despite his youth, the defender has featured in multiple first-team matchday squads at Old Trafford, including the FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City in 2024, highlighting the esteem in which the club holds him.

A pointed rivalry

The pursuit carries an extra edge given recent history between the two clubs. Manchester United successfully recruited two of Arsenal's most promising young talents in recent seasons — defender Ayden Heaven and striker Chido Obi both departed the Emirates Stadium for Old Trafford.

Should Arsenal complete the signing of Ogunneye, it would represent a notable reversal of that trend.

Scanlon also on Arsenal's radar

Ogunneye is not the only United youngster attracting attention from north London. His 19-year-old teammate James Scanlon, who joined Manchester United from Derby County in 2021, is also believed to be a target.

Scanlon has already accumulated 24 international appearances for Gibraltar — the country of his mother's birth — and spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town. Reports suggest he has agreed a two-year deal with Arsenal, with an option for an additional 12 months.

England or Nigeria?

Ogunneye's international future remains an open question. He has represented England at under-17 level, earning three caps between 2021 and 2022, but is equally eligible to play for Nigeria through heritage.

As of 2024, both nations were actively monitoring his development. England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley has publicly described Ogunneye as a