OFFICIAL: Man United swoop Arsenal wonderkid Heaven

The Red Devils have completed the signing of 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, beating Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona in the race for the defender. Heaven leaves Arsenal to join Manchester United after rejecting the Gunners' proposals for a fresh contract.

"Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Ayden Heaven has joined the club. The 18-year-old centre-back made his Arsenal debut earlier this season and has featured for England up to Under-19s level. Heaven has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option of an additional year, and he will immediately join United’s first-team squad," reads a statement from United.

Reports informing of Man United's interest in the youngster emerged last week, though it all became more apparent when Heaven was spotted in attendance at Old Trafford during Ruben Amorim's side's victory over Rangers in the Europa League.

Described as 'remarkable' by Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, Heaven debuted for the North London side's senior team earlier this season in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Preston in October. Although he has yet to make his first Premier League appearance, Arteta has included the player in several top-flight matchday squads.

Previously a midfielder, Heaven arrived at Arsenal from West Ham’s academy as a schoolboy and has been featuring prominently for the Under-21s over the past couple of seasons. He is the second Arsenal youngster to join Man United recently, following Chido Obi Martin’s move last year.

 

February 1, 2025