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. ‎

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. ‎ ‎