Arsenal Complete Free Transfer for Nigerian Born Manchester United Defender

Arsenal Complete Free Transfer for Nigerian Born Manchester United Defender 

By Niyi Busari 

Arsenal have completed the signing of Nigerian born and former Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye on a free transfer as the Gunners continue to strengthen their youth ranks, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Born by Nigeria parent, the right-back has agreed terms with Arsenal after leaving Manchester United, where he spent five years progressing through the club’s academy system.

Ogunneye underwent a medical at Arsenal’s training ground last week after the two clubs reached a full agreement over the transfer. Manchester United will, however, retain a 40 percent sell-on clause as part of the deal.

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The defender is expected to initially link up with Arsenal’s Under-21 side, while also being given opportunities to train with Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad as he looks to establish himself at senior level.

Ogunneye, who has represented England at youth level, was named in Manchester United’s first-team squad on several occasions but did not make a senior competitive appearance for the club.

His departure brings an end to his five-year association with United. In a farewell message on social media, Ogunneye thanked the club for the memories and described his move to Arsenal as the beginning of a new chapter.

The move forms part of Arsenal’s renewed focus on recruiting and developing young talent, with the club seeking to strengthen its pathway from the academy to the first team.

For Ogunneye, the switch to north London offers an opportunity to continue his development at a club that has increasingly provided opportunities for academy graduates to break into the senior squad.