Manchester United have completed the acquisition of 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, as confirmed on Saturday.

Heaven’s only senior appearance for Arsenal came in last year’s Carabao Cup match against Preston North End.

The teenager has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2029, with an option for an additional year.

“I am extremely proud to join Manchester United. I am thankful to everyone who has helped me make this dream come true,” Heaven said.

“There is so much I want to accomplish in the game, and I will give my all to continue developing and become the best player I can be.”

Sources have told ESPN that Heaven will be regarded as a first-team player at Old Trafford. Although he is expected to play in academy matches, the plan is for him to mainly train with Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad.

Having previously been at West Ham’s academy before moving to Arsenal, Heaven is primarily a left-sided centre-back, though he can also play in midfield.

He becomes the second young Arsenal talent to join United, following 17-year-old Chido Obi-Martin, who signed with United in October.

“We are thrilled to have Ayden join Manchester United,” said United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox. “He is a highly talented defender who is ready to integrate into our first-team squad to maximize his development.

“This club has an outstanding history of nurturing young players, and we are confident Ayden is in the ideal environment to fulfill his tremendous potential.”