Man Utd make second raid on Arsenal with 'extremely talented' defender

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, who arrives for an undisclosed compensation fee, will immediately join United’s first-team squad as part of his development.

Having joined Arsenal’s academy as a 13-year-old in 2019, Heaven made his senior debut for the Gunners as a substitute in an EFL Cup victory over Preston in October.

Upon completing his move to Old Trafford, Heaven expressed his excitement: "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, and I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player I can be."

Jason Wilcox, United’s technical director, believes Heaven is a perfect fit for the club’s long-term project: "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."

Heaven is the second young player to move from Arsenal to United this season, following 17-year-old striker Chido Obi-Martin’s transfer in October.

Meanwhile, United are closing in on the signing of Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, who is scheduled to arrive in Manchester for a medical on Saturday.

The Denmark international was an unused substitute in Lecce’s Serie A win at Parma on Friday, and sources suggest the transfer fee will be under £30 million, including add-ons.

The signing of Heaven aligns with United’s new recruitment philosophy, which prioritizes young talent with the potential to develop into first-team stars.

Although 10 months younger than Leny Yoro, who joined PSG for £52.2m (€62m) from Lille, Heaven has greater familiarity with English football.

With United already securing a place in the Europa League’s last 16, his involvement in the competition could provide valuable insight into how manager Ruben Amorim plans to integrate him into the squad.

Additionally, Heaven’s arrival raises questions about the future of Victor Lindelof, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

While United still trail Arsenal at first-team level, a clearer pathway to senior football at Old Trafford may have been a decisive factor in Heaven’s decision to switch clubs.