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According to a report by BBC Sport, Manchester United have completed the signing of England Under-19 defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal on a four-and-a-half-year contract. The 18-year-old joins the Red Devils for an undisclosed compensation fee and will immediately integrate into the first-team squad.
Heaven, who previously had a stint at West Ham before joining Arsenal’s academy in 2019, made his senior debut as a substitute in the Gunners’ EFL Cup victory over Preston North End in October. Despite his promising talent, he did not make a Premier League appearance for Arsenal before securing his move to Old Trafford.
“I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United,” Heaven said after signing his contract. “I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, and I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be.”
Manchester United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, welcomed Heaven’s arrival, highlighting his potential. “We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development,” Wilcox stated. “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.”
Heaven becomes the second young player to move from Arsenal to Manchester United this season, following the transfer of 17-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin in October.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also closing in on the signing of Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international is scheduled to undergo a medical in Manchester on Saturday after being an unused substitute in Lecce’s recent Serie A win at Parma. Reports suggest the transfer fee for Dorgu will be under £30 million, including add-ons.
Heaven’s signing aligns with Manchester United’s recent strategy of recruiting younger talents with long-term potential. While he does not have the same senior experience as other young defenders, such as Leny Yoro, who joined Lille last summer for £52.2 million, Heaven’s familiarity with English football could aid his development.Tap Here for the Full Story
