Manchester United Confirms Ayden Heaven’s Signing from Arsenal and Assigns Him Squad Number 26 for First-Team Integration

Manchester United has officially announced the acquisition of 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Heaven has been assigned the number 26 jersey, previously worn by goalkeeper Dean Henderson. 

Heaven, who spent five years in Arsenal's youth system, was also a target for clubs like Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt. Manchester United secured his transfer for a fee of approximately £1.5 million. Unlike previous Arsenal academy recruit Chido Obi-Martin, Heaven is expected to be integrated directly into United's first-team squad. 

Upon signing a contract valid until June 2029, Heaven expressed his pride in joining Manchester United and his commitment to his development. Technical director Jason Wilcox highlighted Heaven's talent and readiness to contribute to the first team, emphasizing the club's strong history of nurturing young players. 

Manchester United has a longstanding tradition of including academy players in every senior matchday squad since 1937. Head coach Ruben Amorim reaffirmed the club's dedication to developing young talent, noting that some may eventually be sold for profit. 

Heaven's versatility allows him to play as a center-back or a box-to-box central midfielder, adding valuable options to the team's lineup.