Arsenal are in danger of losing 18-year-old wonderkid Ayden Heaven as top Premier League clubs are expressing interest in the defender, as per Graeme Bailey via TBR Football.
The Gunners are well known for producing remarkable talents from their renowned Hale End academy, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly coming through the ranks in recent years. They have given their youth a chance to showcase their potential on the big stage.
But they have also lost a few starlets to fierce rivals due to difficulties in convincing them to sign a new contract. Striker Chido Obi-Martin slipped through the net at Arsenal as he signed for Manchester United last summer. Similarly, Omari Hutchinson also sealed a move to Ipswich Town via Chelsea.
ARSENAL RISK LOSING ANOTHER ACADEMY STARLET
Ayden could be the next one to be targeted by elite clubs, and initial signs reveal the same. The youngster rejected a fresh attempt from the Gunners to tie him down to a new professional contract.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Newcastle United are actively pursuing a deal. Foreign clubs like Bayern Munich, Napoli, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, and Borussia Dortmund are also watching closely.
According to reports, Liverpool are interested in Arsenal’s Hale End, Ayden Heaven. The youngster is ‘𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗬’ rated at Arsenal. Heaven has refused to sign his first professional contract with Arsenal. 🏴
[@GraemeBailey via @tbrfootball] pic.twitter.com/mXlrGXduzf
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) December 21, 2024
The Englishman was presented with an improved offer, which he rejected. He was handed another bumper offer in September as soon as he turned 18. However, that has gone unnoticed as well. Arsenal remain hopeful that they can convince their prized asset to stay since manager Mikel Arteta has already given him his debut against Preston United in the Carabao Cup this season.
Ayden also featured on the bench twice last month. Arteta is counting on him for the future, but the former West Ham academy star hasn’t disclosed his plans.
Ayden Heaven has an elite mentality
and understanding of the game for his age.He has the unique ability to play as an 8, DM or as a CB – think of Declan Rice combined with Prime Pogba on steroids.
Very few players can play as a primary controller with metronomic efficiency.
— IX (@SubvertedAngles) November 1, 2024
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The North London outfit will try their best to persuade the player to stay since joining another club might hit them hard later on. The fans have seen the centre-back putting up a solid display against Man United in the preseason games.
His ability to read the game and remain calm in possession makes him different than others. We hope that he agrees to a new contract in the upcoming months.
