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Manchester United have nabbed another academy product from Arsenal as they announced the signing of Ayden Heaven on Saturday, February 1. Heaven, who made his debut for Arsenal’s first-team earlier in the season, has signed a contract until 2029, with the option of an additional year.
United announced in a statement that the 18-year-old would be joining United’s first-team squad immediately. There were reports in the British media suggesting that the English defender was being viewed as more of a first-team signing rather than a player for the future.
“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Ayden Heaven has joined the club. The 18-year-old centre-back made his Arsenal debut earlier this season and has featured for England up to Under-19s level. Heaven has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option of an additional year, and he will immediately join United’s first-team squad,” read the statement from United.
Heaven becomes the second signing United has made from Arsenal’s academy in the last few months, as forward Chido Obi-Martin signed his contract with the Red Devils in October last year.
What Heaven said about his move to Manchester United
Heaven said he was incredibly proud to join United and vowed to give his everything to continue his development and become the best player he can be during his time with the Red Devils.
“I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.”
“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,” said Heaven.
Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s technical director, said that the 18-year-old is ready to make the step into the first-team squad to maximise his development.
“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.”
“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,” said Wilcox.
United are currently 12th in the Premier League table and finished in the top 8 in the Europa League, meaning that they will directly play the Round of 16 match without going through the playoffs.
