“This is not the first time my deal is being hijacked but this particular one pains me alot and believe me, Ruben will pay for it”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta is very angry with Ruben Amorim for hijacking his top transfer target
Mikel Arteta has hailed “remarkable” Ayden Heaven as the Arsenal wonderkid prepares for a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils are closing in on a January deal for the 18-year-old, with just the formalities to go until he officially moves to Old Trafford. Heaven looks set to be the third defender to put pen to paper on a move to United this month.
Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon is due to join the club, while a deal has also been thrashed out with Lecce for the signature of Patrick Dorgu. Heaven will follow the duo and is set to arrive with a glowing reference from Arsenal boss Arteta.
Speaking after he ironically played against United in pre-season, the Spaniard said: “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.”
Taking to Instagram after being handed a pre-season opportunity, Heaven wrote: “Proud moment for me and my family last night , starting and making my debut for the first team during pre-season last night! Many more to come!”
Heaven’s development has continued throughout the season and he was even given his senior debut against Preston in the Carabao Cup. Sharing his thoughts after his professional bow, he said: “I’ve waited a long time.
“Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my teammates, my family and everyone that’s got me here, so yeah, I’m just really happy. I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”
Heaven would be reunited with another former Arsenal star should he complete a move to Old Trafford. Chido Obi-Martin also joined United from the North London side in the summer and he has enjoyed an electric start to life with the Red Devils.
The 17-year-old already has nine goals in as many appearances this season for United’s youth ranks – a record that includes a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest back in October. But even before he signed for United, he was full of praise for his former boss Arteta.
“He (Arteta) just praises me all the time and says nice things, so it’s very nice,” he said. “Of course it makes me proud. I would like to stay at Arsenal for a long time.”
