Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has preferred to remain silent when asked about the links connecting Manchester United with a move for Arsenal academy starlet Ayden Heaven.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Ruben Amorim’s side have placed their first bid for the Hale Ender. It is said that the Red Devils have contacted the Gunners with an aim to lure the young defender to Old Trafford in January.
The 18-year-old is yet to sign a new contract, and his current deal expires this summer. He is concerned over a lack of regular first-team football at the Emirates Stadium, and it is holding him back from extending his Arsenal stay. Arteta was asked about the player’s future and he said:
“You know I can’t talk about individuals”.
United are looking to exploit the situation and are aware of the fact that the English star has rejected multiple advances from Mikel Arteta’s side. With his intentions looking more clear with every passing week, initiating transfer talks will be a wise decision for the Red side of Manchester.
🚨❌ Mikel Arteta didn’t want to comment on Ayden Heaven being approached by Man United: “You know I can’t talk about individuals”.
🔴👀 Arsenal are aware of Man United leading the race to sign Heaven despite new contract proposal sent, as revealed yesterday. pic.twitter.com/SIxwGTiMQc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
If Heaven doesn’t sign a new contract, then he will be available for a nominal training compensation fee at the end of the season. The pressure on his parent club is increasing as United are slowly moving ahead in this race. German giants Eintracht Frankfurt and La Liga elites Barcelona have also expressed interest in the player.
HEAVEN GROWING IMPATIENT WITH LIFE AT ARSENAL
The English U19 International made his senior debut for Arsenal in October in the League Cup game against Preston North End. But since then he hasn’t stepped on the field despite being named on the bench in the past seven occasions.
This can’t take away the fact that he remains an important player for the Gunners’ U21s and U19s squad. He has featured 14 times for them in all competitions this season and has also received his first cap for England’s U19 side this September. But he wasn’t called up for the next few months.
🚨 Ayden Heaven was in attendance as Manchester United beat Rangers in the Europa League last night. 🏟️✅
The Red Devils are confident to bring him to the club, despite a new Arsenal deal proposal and an Eintracht Frankfurt approach. 👋
[@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/7ovfKriFhe
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) January 24, 2025
Arsenal have maintained the reputation of giving opportunities to their young talents and integrating them into their first team. They made sure that this transition is smooth, but Heaven feels that his chances are limited at the N5.
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The fans won’t be happy if he leaves since the club recently sold another wonderkid in Chido Obi-Martin to Man United last year. Although Arteta and co. have pushed several academy players to play senior football this season, they shouldn’t make it a trend of giving away their born-and-bred players to their local rivals.
