Manchester United have “reached a full agreement” with Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven, according to reports.
The Academy Scoop X Account is a reliable source for academy transfers and it claims that the 18-year-old has been signed to “provide competition” for Lisandro Martinez.
Heaven has made just one senior appearance in his career so far, making his first-team debut for the Gunners against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup back in October.
With such little experience, it is surprising that the Red Devils already see him as an option for the senior setup, but guarantees about game time are likely what won the race to secure his services.
Heaven does have the right profile to compete with Martinez
While the teenager is ostensibly a centre-back, he has also been deployed as a left-back at youth level. He does seem to be a good fit for the left-sided role in Ruben Amorim’s back three.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Heaven is actually ready to make the step up, but his willingness to leave Arsenal and move to Old Trafford suggests he is a very ambitious player.
The United signing has been praised by Arteta
The Gunners were clearly keen on retaining the services of Heaven, having offered him a new contract to keep him at the Emirates. Manager Mikel Arteta holds him in high regard. Speaking in July after the youngster started the friendly against United, the Spaniard said:
“Very impressive. I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this [at his age]. He’s lost a duel against [Rasmus Hojlund], one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen but the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here