Manchester United’s academy recruitment has gathered pace since INEOS stepped in as seen from the deals for Malian youngster Sekou Kone and Chido Obi, from Arsenal.
And as recently relayed by The Peoples Person, the Red Devils have brought on board another highly-rated Arsenal academy starlet in the form of Ayden Heaven.
The 18-year-old was already handed a first-team debut by Mikel Arteta and was even offered a new deal to stay at The Emirates but he chose to walk away and join the 20-time English league champions, much like his former teammate Chido Obi.
There was plenty of interest in the centre-back from Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund as well as English sides like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Arsenal failed with last contract offer
Interestingly, as revealed by TBR Football, Arteta was desperate not to lose the England U19 international which is why Arsenal offered an improved deal to Heaven two weeks ago in a last-ditch attempt to hold on their wonderkid.
However, the “dominant and elegant” defender rejected their fresh attempt and decided to link up with the Danish striker at Old Trafford.
“Eintracht Frankfurt wanted Heaven, as did RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund. Heaven spoke to Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United in the last six weeks, but he opted for Man United.
“Frankfurt, Leipzig and Dortmund pushed hard for Heaven, while Arsenal made a final offer to him two weeks ago, but again he said no.”
Heaven is United bound
Heaven is already seen as having first-team potential which shows the signing is not only for the future but also the present.
He is left-footed and the Red Devils have a dearth of left-footed centre-backs with only Lisandro Martinez capable of playing as the left centre-back.
Luke Shaw can also play there but given his poor injury record, United did the right thing by jumping for the Arsenal starlet.
While Fabrizio Romano has already announced his capture, no official confirmation from either club has arrived.
It remains to be seen when Heaven arrives and whether Ruben Amorim opts to hand him his first-team debut this season.
Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
