Arsenal will hold further talks with Manchester United as they push to sign James Scanlon, having now agreed a deal for Habeeb Ogunneye.
There has been a renewed focus at Arsenal to recruit at youth level and 19-year-old winger Scanlon has emerged as a serious target.
The Leicester-born teenager spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Swindon and has already been capped 24 times at senior international level by Gibraltar, who he qualifies to represent through his mother.
Arsenal are confident that personal terms will not be an issue, with Scanlon said to be keen on a move to north London.
Discussions are ongoing with United over a fee but the Gunners hope that the situation will accelerate quickly over the next 72 hours.
It is understood that two figures in particular are behind Arsenal's pursuit of Scanlon.
Chris Perkins, who joined Arsenal in 2023 as professional development phase scout, has been a long-time admirer of the winger.
He was head of academy recruitment for six years at Derby while Scanlon was progressing through the age groups at the club.
Scanlon has also been highly recommended to Arsenal by David Horseman, who earlier this week was appointed as the new head coach of the club’s Under-21s.
Horseman moved to Arsenal a year ago as elite player development coach, leading the U19s in the UEFA Youth League and the U21s in the EFL Trophy.
Prior to that, Horseman was briefly at United, where he worked with Scanlon and was impressed by the player.
Arsenal are set to make it a double swoop on United, with Ogunneye also targeted.
The 20-year-old right-back - previously named in several United first-team matchday squads under Erik ten Hag during the 2023/24 season - was on loan at fourth-tier Newport last term before being recalled in January.
Standard Sport understands that a medical for Ogunneye has been scheduled by Arsenal for Thursday, with an official announcement expected over the weekend.
He will head to the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer that includes a 40 per cent sell-on clause, joining up with the U21s and also training with Mikel Arteta’s first team.
