13 hours Ago
Man United announce Arsenal wonderkid as Ruben Amorim's first senior signing of the January window as Gunners lose ANOTHER academy star to Red Devils Ayden Heaven was one of the brightest prospects in Arsenal's academy Man United confirmed Heaven will go straight into the first team set-up LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! , available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday By MICHAEL PAVITT and WILL PICKWORTH Published: 06:52 EST, 1 February 2025 | Updated: 06:53 EST, 1 February 2025 e-mail View comments Manchester United have announced the signing of Arsenal wonderkid Ayden Heaven on a four-year deal. Heaven, 18, has been touted as one of the Gunners' brightest academy prospects having risen through the club's youth ranks.
Man United confirmed Heaven has signed a deal until 2029, with the option of a further year. 'I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality,' Heaven told Man United's club website.
'There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.' The Red Devils confirmed Heaven will immediately join Ruben Amorim 's first team squad. Manchester United have announced the signing of Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven 'We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United,' said Jason Wilcox, Man United technical director.
'He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development. 'This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential.' The central defender's contract had been due to expire at Arsenal at the end of the season, and Mail Sport reported last week how the Gunners were trying to convince Heaven to sign a new contract amid an enquiry from United .
Heaven has made just one competitive first-team appearance for the Gunners - a cameo against Preston in the Carabao Cup - but he has regularly been involved in first team training. The left-footed defender, who has also attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, has similarly made the bench for three Premier League games this season. United completed a deal for Heaven, with an agreement sealed after he turned down Arsenal's offer of a professional deal following a contract stand-off.
Man United confirmed the former Arsenal player will immediately join the first team squad The defender's deal was up in the summer and the Gunners were desperate to keep him Heavan's move to United will come as a major blow to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta The England youth international was spotted at Old Trafford for United's 2-1 victory over Rangers on Thursday and this move follows Sir Jim Ratcliffe's aim to prioritise and sign the best young, homegrown talent in the country. Heaven's departure is a major blow for Arsenal, which comes just months after United also signed 17-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin from the club. The Danish wonderkid is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in the country having scored 32 goals for the Gunners' Under 18 side last season.
His transfer was eventually completed in October after legal issues initially delayed the move and he has since scored nine goals in seven games for United's Under 18 team. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had previously talked up Heaven's qualities after he shone during a victory against United in pre-season. ' Very impressive,' the Spaniard said.
'At 17, I don't know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this. 'He's lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world [Rasmus Hojlund], 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.
' It also comes months after United signed 17-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Heaven (L) regularly trained with the first team and was one of the club's brightest prospects Speaking more widely on Heaven and fellow youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, Arteta added: 'Myles has played a lot of minutes, Ethan as well, Aiden [Heaven] as well in pre-season. 'It’s given us a big platform for them to understand how good they are and the options that we have in the squad right now and they’ll certainly be training with us. 'What I love the most is their attitude, their personality, how much they want it, the way they were competing in training.
'We throw them in very difficult circumstances and it was a great test to see where they are and they are going to be in a good place.’ Arsenal Mikel Arteta Manchester United Share or comment on this article: Man United announce Arsenal wonderkid as Ruben Amorim's first senior signing of the January window as Gunners lose ANOTHER academy star to Red Devils e-mail Add comment.
