Arsenal's latest signing explains why he left Man Utd to join the Gunners

Arsenal have completed the signing of James Scanlon from Manchester United - and it looks like he won't be the only academy graduate to leave Old Trafford for the Emirates this summer.

Scanlon, who turns 20 next month, spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Swindon Town, where he helped the Robins to a ninth-place finish.

He returned to United this summer but on Saturday afternoon, the teenager was announced as an Arsenal player. “It’s a pleasure to be here, I can’t wait to get started,” he told the club's official website.

Scanlon also mentioned Arsenal's hunger for continued success after being asked what "encouraged him" to join the Gunners from United.

"I think you can see where the club's at, [it's] really positive and I think it's only going to get better," he said.

"You can see that everyone here is hungrier for more, hungrier to get better and I think that's something I believe I can add to and want to be a part of as well."

Scanlon went on to describe himself as a creative player, adding: "I like to score goals, assist, so hopefully I can excite players who watch me, and that's what I'm here to do really."

The winger, who made his debut for the Gibraltar national team in 2024, never made a first-team appearance for United but earned a call-up for their Europa League clash against Real Sociedad in March 2025.

James Scanlon set to be joined by another Man Utd academy product in the coming days

As well as Scanlon, Arsenal are expected to wrap up the signing of defender Habeeb Ogunneye.

Ogunneye, who started for United's under-21 side in a pre-season game against Altrincham last month, will primarily be involved with the Arsenal under-21s but is also expected to be involved in first-team training, according to the Standard.

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The 20-year-old penned a goodbye message to United this week.

Taking to social media, he wrote: “15 years. What a journey. Forever grateful for the memories, the people and everything this club has given me. Time for the next chapter.”