Arsenal Targets Gibraltar Winger Scanlon in Youth Recruitment Drive

Arsenal’s push to sharpen their talent pipeline has zeroed in on a new name: 19-year-old winger Scanlon, a Leicester-born Gibraltar international who has quickly climbed to the top of their youth recruitment list.

The Gunners have stepped up efforts to bring in high-upside prospects, and Scanlon fits the brief. He spent the second half of last season on loan at League Two side Swindon, gaining regular senior minutes, and has already amassed 24 caps at senior international level with Gibraltar, who he represents through his mother’s heritage.

Arsenal believe the player is ready to make the jump. They are relaxed about personal terms, with Scanlon understood to be keen on a move to north London. The real work now lies in talks with United over a fee, with discussions ongoing and hope inside the club that the deal could move quickly over the next 72 hours.

This isn’t a scattergun move. Two key figures at Arsenal are driving the pursuit.

Chris Perkins

Chris Perkins, who arrived at the club in 2023 as a professional development phase scout, has tracked Scanlon’s progress for years. Perkins previously spent six years as head of academy recruitment at Derby, where Scanlon came through the age groups, and has remained an admirer of the winger’s development and mentality.

David Horseman

Then there is David Horseman. Appointed earlier this week as the new head coach of Arsenal’s Under-21s, he has given a strong endorsement of the teenager. Horseman joined the club a year ago as elite player development coach, leading the U19s in the UEFA Youth League and the U21s in the EFL Trophy, and his influence on the academy structure is growing.

Before that, Horseman had a brief spell at United, where he worked directly with Scanlon and came away impressed by his ability and attitude. His recommendation has added weight to Arsenal’s push, with staff convinced they are not just signing a prospect, but a player already hardened by senior football.

Arsenal are also trying to turn this into a double raid on United. Alongside Scanlon, they are targeting right-back Habeeb Ogunneye. The defender spent part of last season on loan at fourth-tier Newport before United recalled him in January, and he is seen as another potential addition to bolster the club’s defensive options at youth level.

If Arsenal can close both deals in the coming days, it will underline just how aggressively they are rebuilding the next generation behind the first team.