Manchester United have snapped up another young star from Arsenal with Ayden Heaven set to complete a move.
Manchester United signed Chido Obi from Arsenal this summer in what was viewed as a major coup for the Red Devils. The 17-year-old has hit the ground running at Carrington and is knocking on the door for a first-team breakthrough.
United have now raided Arsenal for another youngster with a medical booked for Ayden Heaven. The 18-year-old defender is set to imminently depart the North London outfit to move to Manchester.
Heaven is the latest of United’s wonderkid signings which reflects Ineos’ plan to bring in exciting young players rather than big-name stars.
United fans are excited by the Heaven deal, and it likely won’t be long until he gets his chance to shine at Old Trafford.
Ayden Heaven reflects on ‘incredible’ Man United clash
Just a few months ago, Heaven jetted out with Arsenal to their pre-season tour of the United States. The Gunners lined up against United in Los Angeles and Heaven started in the heart of defence.
Rasmus Hojlund schooled Heaven and scored early on in the clash but it was a good learning experience for the young defender.
In an interview with Arsenal, Heaven reflected on the match and called it an “incredible” moment.
“It all started with the US pre-season tour. I found out I was going around a week before we left, and it was an unforgettable experience,” Heaven said.
“Looking back, I actually played more than I thought I would. I started the Bournemouth game and got 60-70 minutes under my belt, which I felt went really well.
“Just a couple of days later, I started against Manchester United in LA. My confidence was high from the Bournemouth game, and I went into the United match determined to perform well.
“I played the first 45 minutes. Although we conceded a goal I felt I could have handled better, it was a valuable learning experience. Playing against such strong opposition, in front of thousands of fans, was incredible.”
Man United have centre-back partnership for next decade
There has been a clear shift in transfer strategy to sign some of the brightest youngsters in world football this season.
Now that Heaven has secured a move to United, the Red Devils have two hugely exciting centre-backs who are on the fringe of the first team.
Godwill Kukonki has impressed Ruben Amorim and has been involved in multiple matchday squads since the Portuguese head coach arrived. The 6’5″ defender will be pushing to make his debut this season and to be involved in the post-season tour of Malaysia.
READ MORE: Ayden Heaven is the perfect Ruben Amorim centre-back, Man Utd have saved millions
Heaven is slightly older than Kukonki and will be hoping to break through alongside him into Amorim’s plans.
United have been in the market for new centre-backs, but in Kukonki and Heaven they have two centre-back goliaths who could become stars over the next decade.
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