Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing 18-year-old Arsenal defensive sensation Ayden Heaven.
According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ayden Heaven does not have a shortage of suitors pursuing his signature. Manchester United and Barcelona are vying for the signature of the Arsenal defensive sensation. The two European bigwigs have established contact over a move for the 18-year-old prodigy, with the Red Devils leading the race to secure his services.
Who is Ayden Heaven?
Ayden Heaven is the latest highly-rated Arsenal prodigy to rise in prominence. The last few years have seen many prospects break out and follow Bukayo Saka’s lead. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have already established a foothold in the first-team squad at the Emirates, but Heaven has yet to receive many opportunities.
The 18-year-old made his first-team bow for Arsenal earlier this season, but the ten-minute cameo in the EFL Cup tie with Preston North End is his only senior outing. Meanwhile, Heaven’s long-term future has left the North London club in a spot of bother, as he has entered the final six months of his contract.
The English youth international does not have a shortage of clubs pursuing his signature, with recent reports linking him with Napoli, Liverpool, and Manchester City. However, Manchester United and Barcelona have joined the race to secure the Arsenal prodigy’s services, with the Red Devils the front-runners to secure his services.
A man in demand
Manchester United’s interest in Ayden Heaven is understandable. While the Red Devils signed two centre-backs last summer, they can do with at least one more central defender this year. Victor Lindelof has entered the final six months of his contract, and the Swede will likely leave Manchester United as a free agent. So, Heaven is a viable target for the Premier League club.
As for Barcelona, Andreas Christensen faces an uncertain future for Barcelona as the Blaugrana might sell him to balance the books this year. In addition, Inigo Martinez is on the wrong side of 30. So, Barcelona can do with a new centre-back, making Heaven an option worth considering.
The 18-year-old English defensive prospect is reportedly ready to leave Arsenal this year. So, with Manchester United and Barcelona submitting enquiries to sign him, it will not be surprising to see him join a high-profile club, with the Red Devils in the pole position to land him.
