Napoli continue to explore the market for defensive reinforcements, and while they seek an experienced centre-back to complete Antonio Conte’s squad due to Alessandro Buongiorno’s injury and Rafa Marin’s unconvincing performances, the club are also looking towards the future of their backline.
Calciomercato report sporting director Giovanni Manna is monitoring several young prospects, and a new name has emerged from England: Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven.
Napoli’s interest in Heaven comes amidst fierce competition. Premier League giants Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, and Manchester United have already shown active interest in the promising center-back. Outside of England, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Marseille are also in the race alongside Napoli.
The widespread interest in Heaven stems not only from his technical qualities and potential but also from his contract situation. His current agreement with Arsenal expires on June 30, 2025, and the Gunners have yet to convince the youngster to renew or sign his first professional contract. An attempt in September 2024, when Ayden turned 18, was unsuccessful. However, Arsenal remains hopeful about persuading the defender to stay.
Born on September 22, 2006, in Enfield, North London, Ayden Heaven began his football journey with West Ham at the age of eight. After four years and a trial with Chelsea, he joined Arsenal, the club he supported as a child, signing a scholarship contract in the summer of 2023.
In 2024, Heaven participated in Arsenal’s pre-season training under Mikel Arteta. Despite an error in a friendly against Manchester United, he impressed his coach, who praised his composure and quality. Arteta remarked, “Impressive. At 17, I don’t know how many players can do this at this level. He lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen, but his subsequent reaction, composure, quality, and body language were all remarkable.”
A left-footed player with an imposing physique (189 cm tall), Heaven is a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back, midfielder, or left-back when needed. He excels in defensive reading and is particularly appreciated for his ball-playing abilities, especially in building play from the back.
In the 2024/25 season, Heaven has featured in 8 reserve team matches, 5 UEFA Youth League games (including a match against Inter Milan), and made his first-team debut on October 30, 2024, in Arsenal’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston North End.
