Manchester United leading the race to sign “complete” Arsenal defender, says Fabrizio Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are now leading the race to sign Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven amid interest from Barcelona.

Rúben Amorim is prioritising first-team reinforcements at Manchester United, but the club are also placing significant emphasis on recruiting top-tier Academy talent to shape the team’s long-term future.

In the summer 2024 transfer window, United completed deals for Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone, two young players widely regarded as standout prospects in Academy football.

With financial constraints requiring a careful approach to spending, the club’s strategy of investing in young talent is a prudent one. The plan is to develop these players within the Academy, gradually preparing them for first-team roles in the coming years.

There is growing excitement that these additions, alongside others, could become key figures in Amorim’s squad as they integrate and adapt over time.

United leading the race for Heaven

According to Fabrizio Romano, United have now set their sights on 18-year-old Arsenal academy star Ayden Heaven for a transfer in order to continue their pursuit for young talent.

The report from the Italian transfer specialist explains that United are currently the favourites to sign the centre-back and have initiated contact with the London club.

However, United are facing competition from Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona, with both clubs having made contact regarding a potential deal.

Arsenal are said to have also offered the young star a new contract in a bid to keep him at the club long-term.

What type of centre-back is Heaven?

According to Football Talent Scout, United may be securing themselves a top talent for the future should a transfer up north push through.

Read More: Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho offer revealed as Manchester United winger ‘open’ to move

The scouting report explains that Heaven is “complete, dominant, and elegant centre-back” and that he has strengths such as his pace, anticipating, and areal success.

He is also a left-footed player who can play as a centre-back and a left-back, which will be music to Amorim’s ears.

The Portuguese coach only has Lisandro Martínez as a natural left-footed centre-back, and should Heaven join and rise through United’s ranks, he could have a real shot at the club’s first team in the next couple of seasons.

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