Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal for Arsenal’s highly-rated 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven.
Despite interest from clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Barcelona, United are leading the race and are close to agreeing a transfer with Arsenal.
Heaven, whose scholarship terms expire in the summer, was spotted at Old Trafford recently, fueling speculation that a move is imminent.
The England U19 international made his first-team debut for Arsenal earlier this season in a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston.
Although he hasn’t appeared in the Premier League yet, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Heaven’s potential, including him in several matchday squads.
Arteta, who was impressed by Heaven’s performance during Arsenal’s pre-season match against United, described the teenager’s composure and reaction to a tough duel as “remarkable.”
Heaven, primarily a centre-back, is also versatile enough to play as a left-back or in central midfield. If the deal goes through, United would be adding a promising talent to their squad with a bright future ahead.