United in pole position to sign sensational 18-yo Barcelona target – report

Manchester United have made a move for Arsenal centre-back Ayden Heaven, as per reports.

United appear to be focusing on strengthening their backline during the ongoing January transfer window.

The Red Devils have already agreed basic terms with Patrick Dorgu over a winter move and are now in talks with Lecce to find a consensus over the wing-back’s transfer fee.

The 20-year-old versatile Dane is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Serie A and his signing would be seen as a great coup. It has now emerged that United are planning another ambitious move to future-proof their defence.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have made contact with Arsenal for Heaven.

🚨🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have made contact to Arsenal for 18 year old talent Ayden Heaven.

Man United are leading the race to sign Heaven while Eintracht Frankfurt and Barça have made approaches. Arsenal have also offered new deal. pic.twitter.com/AuFuY1AA9r

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2025

The very reliable Italian journalist says that the Mancunians are “leading the race” to sign the 18-year-old central defender, who is also capable of playing on the left flank.

The highly-rated talent, who was handed his senior debut in the Carabao Cup in October by Mikel Arteta, has also attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona.

The German outfit and the Spanish giants have both made approaches for the Arsenal sensation.

Arsenal are keen on keeping the Hale End product in north London but they have little say as his contract is due to expire in six months.

Heaven is too inexperienced to instantly make any significant impact at Old Trafford but he has the potential to quickly push his way into Ruben Amorim’s first-team plans.

The England U19 is a left-footed centre-back — a rare commodity. In the senior side, only Lisandro Martinez is left-footed and the Argentine has looked shaky this season.

Meanwhile, it seems United’s recruitment team have kept a close eye on Arsenal’s academy in recent times as they also successfully tempted Chido Obi-Martin to move to Manchester over the summer.

Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images

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