Manchester United sign Promising Defender from Arsenal

Gualter Fatia/GettyImages

Manchester United Close in on Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven

Manchester United are set to strengthen their youth ranks with the signing of 18 year old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. The move was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The England U19 international reportedly rejected a contract extension from the Gunners and turned down interest from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt as well to stay in England and head north to Old Trafford.

Heaven’s football journey has been interesting where he started at West Ham United before moving to Arsenal in 2019. While Arsenal was eager to retain him, United won the race to secure the highly rated youngster’s signature. Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on his social media channels, adding his famous trademark “here we go,” a phrase synonymous with finalized transfers. The teenager is now set to undergo a medical at United before signing an official contract.

An adaptable defender, Heaven has primarily played as a center-back but is also a good choice at left-back as well, adding a different option to his future utility at Manchester United. Despite being on Arsenal's bench three times in the Premier League this season, he made his only senior debut for the club against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup where he played 10 minutes. While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was reportedly impressed with Heaven’s potential, opportunities at the Emirates seemed scarce for the youngster. The chances to break regularly into the first team were more limited with fellow youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri already breaking into the first team.

At Manchester United, the chances for Heaven may be a bit more as compared to Arsenal. With a struggling defensive line and expected exits at the back including Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans nearing the twilight of their careers. Lindelof is also expected to leave the club in the summer which could see Heaven take his moment to stake the claim. Heaven would be the second signing from Arsenal this season after forward Chido Obi-Martin also joining earlier this year.

With his medical booked and the deal all but done, Ayden Heaven’s move to United represents an opportunity for both the club and the player to move forward as the youngster looks to make his mark in Manchester.

ALSO READ: Manchester United go second after comfortable 3-0 win against Brighton in the WSL

ALSO READ: Ruben Amorim slams Forward again amid links of a Move Away from Old Trafford

ALSO READ: Nkunku to Manchester United is a No Brainer