Manchester United are bracing for a busy end to the transfer window, with academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye reportedly close to joining Arsenal, while a sell-on clause from Willy Kambwala's potential move from Villarreal could provide a surprise boost.
Michael Carrick's side have tabled a bid worth up to £65 million for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as part of the club's midfield restructure. So far this summer, United have made three senior additions, including Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, who arrived for a combined £85 million to revolutionise the midfield. Baleba would complete this restructuring, becoming the club's most expensive signing this summer.
Double deal nears completion
United are reportedly on the verge of losing academy prospects James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye to Arsenal. Winger Scanlon, 19, spent a portion of last season on loan at Swindon Town, while defender Ogunneye, 20, was sent to Newport County before returning in January.
The Evening Standard reports that Scanlon is a prime target for the Gunners, who have concentrated on recruiting several young talents this summer. It is claimed that further discussions with United are planned regarding the Gibraltar international, with personal terms not expected to be a concern.
Arsenal are also nearing a free transfer for Ogunneye, who was reportedly due to complete his medical on Thursday, with United maintaining a 40 per cent sell-on clause. The defender is expected to join the Gunners' Under-21 setup and will also be afforded opportunities to train with the first team.
Michael Carrick to get transfer gift
Elsewhere, United look set to receive an unexpected boost in the transfer market, with former defender Willy Kambwala poised to leave Villarreal. The 21-year-old made 10 appearances for United before completing his move to the Spanish club in 2024.
United are understood to have negotiated a "sizeable" sell-on fee into the deal with Villarreal two years ago. Italian side Como are reportedly leading the chase for Kambwala, with La Liga outfit Osasuna also registering their interest.
The situation means United will pocket a modest sum when Kambwala exits Villarreal, given he is not expected to command a substantial fee, which limits the amount that will return to Old Trafford. The defender has made 23 appearances in total since being sold by United, with injury hampering his playing time last season.
With Carrick's side set to benefit from the sell-on clause in Kambwala's deal, the club have recently incorporated the same clause when offloading academy talents this summer. Tyler Fredricson's transfer to Lausanne-Sport also included a "high percentage" sell-on fee, with a similar clause part of Radek Vitek's move to Middlesbrough.
