Mikel Arteta believes Ayden Heaven is a “remarkable” talent as Manchester United close in on a deal for the Arsenal starlet.
As relayed by The Peoples Person yesterday, the Red Devils are set to repeat their trick of raiding the Emirates for elite youngsters after the club’s capture of 17-year-old striking sensation Chido Obi last summer.
United have reached a “full agreement” to sign Heaven, beating the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona to the 18-year-old’s signature.
An inside source at the club’s academy reveals the Arsenal starlet is projected to be a first-team player, perhaps explaining why Heaven has chosen to swap London for Manchester in the hunt for more senior opportunities.
United reportedly envision the 18-year-old as providing “cover [and] competition” to Lisandro Martinez – the only left-sided centre-back in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Heaven is a left-footed centre-back in the mould of modern ball-playing defenders. He previously played in midfield at Arsenal’s academy in Hale End, underscoring his comfortability on the ball.
And his switch to United is likely to constitute a significant blow to the Gunners, and their manager, if Arteta’s words last summer are anything to go by.
Speaking after Heaven played against the Red Devils in a pre-season match in Los Angeles, the Spanish coach was effusive in his praise of then 17-year-old.
“I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this [at his age]. He’s lost a duel against [Rasmus Hojlund], one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.”
“But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”
Arteta would go on to give Heaven his debut this season in the Carabao Cup during a 3-0 victory over Present North End in the quarter-final.
Evidently, the Arsenal manager believes Heaven is on the verge of being ready for first-team football. Which is why it will prove such a blow the defender is set to make that step in the North West of England, rather than North London.
Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
