Manchester United are in advanced talks to secure Arsenal’s promising 18-year-old defender, Ayden Heaven.
The teenager has also attracted interest from Barcelona and Eintracht Frankfurt, but United currently lead the race during the January transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are determined to hold on to their young talent and have offered Heaven a new deal to extend his stay at the Emirates.
Heaven, a former West Ham youth player, joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy in 2019 and debuted for the first team this season during their 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston in October.
Though yet to feature in a Premier League match, Heaven has made an impression. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised him during pre-season after a strong performance against Manchester United in a 2-1 friendly win in California.
Despite a tough challenge from Rasmus Hojlund, Arteta admired Heaven’s composure, body language, and reaction, calling him “very impressive.”
Capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back, or in central midfield, Heaven has already represented England at U18 and U19 levels.
Although he has been named in three Premier League matchday squads this season, he is still awaiting his league debut.
As the transfer window heats up, United, Arsenal, and other European giants will battle it out for one of England’s brightest defensive talents.