Why Arsenal let their future star join Manchester United - hidden reason revealed in fresh report

Arsenal surprised many fans when they agreed to sell promising young defender Ayden Heaven to earlier this year. Heaven had been in Arsenal’s academy for five years and even made his first-team debut in October 2024. Mikel Arteta once called him “remarkable”, so his sudden move to Old Trafford left supporters confused.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that there may be a secret reason behind Arsenal’s decision to sell Heaven. As per the Daily Mail, the rise of another academy star, 16-year-old Marli Salmon, could be the reason behind the tough decision. Manchester United paid an undisclosed compensation fee to sign Heaven.
The 19-year-old has already become a part of ’s first team, starting in their last two Premier League matches against Wolves and West Ham. He had also featured in five matches for United earlier this year, but was ruled out for two months due to an injury. He had been warming the bench since the start of November and played his last game in October before making a comeback.
Why did Arsenal release Ayden Heaven?
Arsenal reportedly chose to let Heaven leave because they were excited about Salmon, who made his senior debut in the Champions League this week against Club Brugge. At just 16, Salmon became the fourth-youngest player in Arsenal’s history and the youngest to appear for the club in the European Championship.
According to the report, Salmon is already being compared to former greats and coaches say he is strong for his age, excellent with the ball, and good in one-on-one situations. Arsenal believe he could be the next big defensive talent after Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman.
“We had to really consider it because we were playing a really good side that had some really good results in the Champions League at home, but we knew that at some point we had to use him. So, he was ready, he was prepared. He can play as a centre back or as a full back and I’m delighted. He’s so young, 16 still, and he’s playing in the Champions League. So yeah, what a great night for him as well,” Arteta explained his decision to hand Salmon an UCL debut.