Arsenal’s young defensive talent, Ayden Heaven, is on the verge of securing a move to Manchester United, marking another high-profile switch between the two Premier League rivals.
Heaven Rejects Arsenal Contract in Favor of Manchester United
Currently on scholarship terms with Arsenal, the 18-year-old centre-back is nearing the end of his contract, which expires this season. Despite being offered a professional contract by the Gunners, Heaven has opted to join United instead.
Interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and Manchester United’s Advantage
German club Eintracht Frankfurt had also expressed interest in the promising defender, even hosting him for a visit earlier this month. However, Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners, advancing negotiations for his signature.
Also see: Transfer Gossip Today: Shakhtar Bid €15M For West Ham’s Luis Guilherme, Who Struggles For Game Time
Heaven’s Experience with Arsenal and England Youth Team
Heaven has been a regular participant in first-team training at Arsenal and was part of their pre-season tour in the US last summer. His senior debut came in October’s Carabao Cup victory over Preston, and he has also been named on the bench for crucial matches against Manchester United and Tottenham.
A key figure in Arsenal’s youth setup, Heaven shared his scholarship journey with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both of whom represent England at the Under-19 level.
Early Career and Previous Club Experience
Before joining Arsenal, Heaven began his football journey at West Ham United, where he spent four years after joining at the age of eight. At 12, he had a brief trial with Chelsea before eventually settling at Arsenal.
Another Arsenal Prospect Heads to Manchester United
Heaven’s impending move follows a similar transfer path taken by Chido Obi Martin, the talented striker who left Arsenal for Manchester United last summer.
With United actively strengthening their youth ranks, Heaven’s arrival at Old Trafford could be a significant boost for their defensive setup, reinforcing their long-term plans under the club’s academy structure.
