Manchester United have confirmed that James Scanlon has completed a permanent transfer to Arsenal.

The 19-year-old left winger began his career at Derby County before making the move to Carrington in 2021.

The Leicester-born youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Swindon Town before returning to Manchester United this summer.

On Saturday, both Arsenal and Manchester United confirmed that Scanlon has joined the Gunners on a permanent deal.

“Manchester United Academy attacker James Scanlon has agreed a permanent move to Arsenal,” read the official statement published on Manchester United’s official website.

The winger has made 24 senior appearances for Gibraltar and scored five goals since his senior debut, so his performances at international level may have helped convince the North London club to invest in his potential.

However, Arsenal announced the signing through their Academy account, indicating that the teenager is expected to feature for the club’s Under-21 side rather than Mikel Arteta’s senior squad.

Daily Mail Manchester United correspondent Nathan Salt also reported that the Red Devils have secured a 50% sell-on clause, meaning they would receive half of any future transfer fee if Arsenal sell the player on.

Although Manchester United and Arsenal do not often do transfer business with each other, several young players have moved between the two long-standing rivals in recent years.

The two best-known examples are Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, both regarded as among the brightest young talents in North London before joining the Red Devils on free transfers.

Both players later made their senior debuts under Ruben Amorim during the 2024/25 season. But while the Danish forward is still waiting to carve out regular space in the first team, the English defender has already become a consistent presence at senior level.

Heaven has been ever-present in Michael Carrick’s starting line-up since the beginning of pre-season, and he is expected to keep his place until Lisandro Martinez regains full fitness.