Manchester United have initiated contact with Arsenal as they attempt to lure highly-rated academy defender Ayden Heaven away from Hale End. The 18-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, is reportedly considering a move amid concerns over his pathway to first-team football at the Emirates.
Arsenal have offered Heaven a professional contract, but multiple reports suggest the young talent has rejected the club’s attempts to secure his future. Should he fail to sign a new deal, Heaven would be available for a nominal training compensation fee at the end of the season.
The Gunners are now under pressure to convince the England u19 international to stay, with Manchester United emerging as frontrunners for his signature. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that United are leading the race for Heaven, despite competition from European heavyweights Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt, who have also expressed interest.
The defender has been a key figure for Arsenal’s u21 and u19 teams, featuring 14 times across the Premier League 2, UEFA Youth League, and EFL Trophy this campaign. Internationally, Heaven earned his first cap for England’s u19 side in September but was not called up for subsequent squads in October or November.
