Man Utd 'lead race' to sign Arsenal star - Fabrizio Romano

Cameron Smith

24 Jan 2025 09:45 GMT
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd, transfer news — © IMAGO

Manchester United are pushing to sign Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The 18-year-old has just six months remaining on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners are locked in negotiations with Heaven’s representatives as they look to tie him down to a long-term deal.

However, Man Utd are pushing to sign the teenager on a free transfer this summer and are attempting to convince him to leave Arsenal for pastures new.

The aforementioned Romano confirmed Man Utd’s interest in Heaven on X. “Manchester United have made contact to Arsenal for 18 year old talent Ayden Heaven,” he posted.

“Man United are leading the race to sign Heaven while Eintracht Frankfurt and Barca have made approaches. Arsenal have also offered [a] new deal.”

In addition to Man Utd, Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona, Heaven has also attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, as per BBC Sport.

The 18-year-old is one of the most highly-rated players in Arsenal’s famed academy, and he made his senior debut for the club during a Carabao Cup tie against Preston North End in October 2024.

However, Heaven hasn’t featured for the first-team since his debut and Man Utd are actively working on a deal to bring him to Old Trafford this year.

Chido Obi-Martin 2.0?

Man Utd’s interest in Heaven comes after they poached Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal in almost identical circumstances last summer.

The talented forward was out of contract in north London and Man Utd convinced him to join the club on a free transfer, rather than extend his stay at Arsenal.

Obi-Martin has scored nine goals in just seven appearances for Man Utd’s U18 side and he is expected to be given his first-team debut at some point over the next few years.