Ayden Heaven was in discussions with several top Premier League clubs before he decided to turn down a new contract offer from Arsenal to join Manchester United.
Heaven has opted to join Man United, a disappointing turn of events for Arsenal who actually played the young centre-back against their Manchester rivals back in pre-season.
Mikel Arteta praised Heaven against United, even though he was overawed by Rasmus Hojlund when he scored in a 2-1 victory for Arsenal.
Heaven has long been considered one of the better talents in the Hale End Academy, however, his departure has seemed slightly inevitable for some time now.
Arsenal Insider shared that Heaven could leave Arsenal back in December, when a host of English sides were interested.
Chidozie Obi-Martin had just left Arsenal for United at the time, and now Heaven will be following the same path.
Ayden Heaven was in talks with Chelsea before ditching Arsenal for Man United
Heaven has been pushing to leave Arsenal and it seems as if his move to Old Trafford is now all but confirmed.
That being said, Arsenal Insider spoke to transfers expert Graeme Bailey of TBR Football in the aftermath of the decision, who confirmed that Chelsea were also trying to sign the defender.
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In addition to Arsenal’s west London rivals, all of Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United have spoken to Heaven in the last six weeks, who has opted for United.
The 18-year-old also had interest from abroad, Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund all wanted Heaven, but the defender chose to follow Obi-Martin to Manchester.
Heaven has been promised a role as part of the senior squad under Ruben Amorim – a position he’s yet to play at the Emirates Stadium.
And at this stage, that would appear to be one of the deciding factors when the defender chose his next club.
Arsenal fans shouldn’t stress about the Hale End Academy
Whilst Heaven’s decision is a shame for Arsenal, fans in N5 will be comforted by the path that has been provided for exceptional talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal are in contract talks with Lewis-Skelly, such has been the trajectory of his progress this season.
And after Lewis-Skelly signs, Nwaneri’s deal as an 18-year-old should be set to follow.
Arsenal are managing their young players well from the outside looking in, but not every player can be given the chances they desire, which is perhaps the case with Heaven.
And whilst he seems to be in good hands, it’s imperative that Arsenal create the right path for Max Dowman to thrive at the club in the future, who is already looking like a generational talent.
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