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Arsenal are pressing ahead with a double transfer move to sign highly rated academy players James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Premier League rivals Manchester United. The Gunners want to bolster their youth setup this summer after a recent reshuffle in the leadership of their academy structure, and they are confident of sealing permanent deals for both youngsters.

Arsenal eye Manchester United prospects

As per The Telegraph, Arsenal have made an ambitious push to bring in Scanlon and Ogunneye from Manchester United. The Premier League club are keen to add the pair to their academy ranks during the summer as part of an assertive recruitment drive. Arsenal have been tracking both Scanlon and Ogunneye closely, and there is confidence at the club that they can persuade the two prospects to leave Old Trafford.

This possible double deal comes as a direct response to Manchester United having prised Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven away from Arsenal in recent seasons, setting up an interesting contest between the two rival academies.

Scanlon and Ogunneye want permanent departures

Scanlon, 19, and Ogunneye, 20, both spent time away from Manchester United on loan last season in a bid to gain first-team experience. Scanlon scored one goal in six appearances for League Two side Swindon Town, while Ogunneye featured in 21 matches for Newport County before returning to his parent club in January. The two young players are now said to be prepared to leave Manchester United permanently in order to continue their development. Arsenal have moved quickly to take advantage of the situation, and it is understood that Scanlon has already agreed to a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, underlining Arsenal's determination to secure leading emerging talent.

New academy leadership behind recruitment push

This strong push in youth recruitment follows the recent appointment of Pascal De Maesschalck as Arsenal's new academy head, with Per Mertesacker being replaced. Arsenal are actively pursuing a number of domestic prospects to maintain a strong flow of talent through the system. Speaking about the new direction of the academy, sporting director Andrea Berta said: "We are delighted to welcome Pascal to Arsenal. He brings extensive experience from some of Europe's leading football clubs and has an outstanding track record in youth development. We are excited to have him with us as we continue to build for the future, developing young players and identifying the best emerging talent to join Arsenal on a journey towards professional football."

What's next for Arsenal?

Arsenal will now turn their attention to completing the paperwork and compensation agreements needed to bring Scanlon and Ogunneye to London. The club are also expected to wrap up pending moves for other teenage talents, including Vincent Joseph and Axel Donczew, over the coming weeks. Fans will be keen to see whether these additions can eventually break into Mikel Arteta's first-team plans.