Habeeb Ogunneye’s rise at Manchester United has caught Arsenal’s eye, but the young defender’s international future is still an open question between two countries.
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Arsenal are plotting a move for Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye, who has Nigerian heritage through his family, according to a Telegraph Sport report cited by Complete Sports.
Ogunneye spent last season on loan at Newport County, making 21 appearances before being recalled to Old Trafford in January. The 20 year old, born in London, has featured in several Manchester United first-team matchday squads, including the club’s FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City in 2024.
A Familiar Pattern Between The Rivals
Arsenal’s interest comes after Manchester United previously lured two of the Gunners’ own academy prospects, defender Ayden Heaven and striker Chido Obi, away from the Emirates in recent seasons. Arsenal are also said to be tracking Ogunneye’s United teammate James Scanlon, an 18 cap Gibraltar international, who is believed to have already agreed a two year deal with the north London club.
Still Undecided Between Nigeria And England
Ogunneye remains eligible to represent both Nigeria and England, having featured for England’s Under 17 side on three occasions, but has not yet committed his senior international future to either nation. England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley has publicly described him as a possible future star, a sign of how closely the Football Association is monitoring his progress even as his club future remains unresolved.
