According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has agreed to a deal with Arsenal to sign Ayden Heaven on a permanent transfer. The young defender reportedly rejected a new contract offer from us, as well as an approach from Eintracht Frankfurt, to join the Red Devils.
With a medical already booked, Heaven is set to become the second academy player to leave us for United in just a few months. The decision to let Chido Obi Martin join United earlier also received criticism from many fans—and rightly so. The youngster scored an incredible 32 goals in 26 appearances for our youth side last season, including an astonishing 10 goals in a single game! At just 16 years old, Martin was tipped to be one of Arsenal’s future stars. Unfortunately, we couldn’t tie him down to a professional contract, and he eventually left on a free to Manchester United.
Now, it seems Ayden Heaven will follow suit. Unlike Martin, Heaven will leave for a transfer fee (undisclosed at the moment), but it’s hard to imagine it being significant. What’s more frustrating is the idea that United could go on to sell him for a higher fee in the future—or worse, he could become a key player for them down the line.
Losing two promising prospects to a direct rival in such a short space of time is concerning, no matter where United sit in the league table. They are, and always will be, a big rival for Arsenal. Strengthening them, even indirectly, is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.
I may be overreacting, but these decisions leave a bad taste in my mouth. What do you think, Gooners? Share your thoughts on the headline in the comments!
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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Not many academy players make it to the first team, even fewer get a chance to show their abilities and produce.
Did Heaven get enough chances? I know he refused an extension, does anyone know why? Position? Opportunities?
Far too easy reaching for the checkbook rather than the harder path of developing talent.
Was Wenger really that good developing talent? Is Arteta giving up too easily instead of developing them?
I don’t know that’s why I ask. Can’t continue to spend over 100 million every Summer, especially for 4th choice CB’s, or any players deep on the depth chart.
Durand,
My view is that all teams have to invest and the higher up the food chain, the more those clubs have to do so to ensure their status. As fans, we are all fickle, with the expectation that top4 is the minimum requirement.
Would we be willing to wait for the next generation to come through the academy? When I look at the transfers out from many EPL clubs, a large number are academy players going to lower league clubs because they won’t make it at the highest level. The Nwaneris, MLS and Sakas of this world are few and far between and I presume this is the same across our league.
SueP
I agree with you about the academy players, and teams higher up the table usually don’t take those kinds of risks. Liverpool and Klopp were rare examples; him playing his youth, and they beat us if I remember correctly?
I understand your point, I merely ask this:
Could Reese Nelson have been an adequate 5th winger instead of wasting 35 million on Vieira?
Can Heaven be an adequate 4th CB; mainly as cover because Arteta prefers 18 or so players he rotates? Is it necessary to spend millions on a 4th CB who would rarely play?
ElNeny was another example of where perhaps an academy player could have filled that roster spot. Less wages, chance to develop, and even potentially shop him with a few appearances?
I’m no expert, but some of the cost for the players above were better spent elsewhere, don’t you think?
Lastly for example; we had ESR, was Vieira even necessary? ESR proved he was far better than Vieira, and both are very injury prone. Also considering everyone was aware of Nwaneri’s talent at that time and was almost a lock for promotion to 1st team, Vieira’s purchase was even more puzzling.
Again, I’m just asking, as it seems we give up easily on some players, and hang on too long with others.
The truth is Durand, that there are instances where transfer mistakes are made and look absurd when there are available players already in situ. Vieira is a case in point but I wouldn’t have not signed him on the basis that Nwaneri was in the wings – too long a time period in my view. I would put ESR in the same bracket as Tierney. Both sound players, except for their fitness record and one has moved with Tierney on the verge of doing so. It is a balancing act and I’m glad it’s not me making the decisions.
When it’s about young players coming out of the academy, there’s little the club can do to stop them from leaving. Most of the decisions concerning these young people are not just down to them: there are parents, agents and a myriad of other interests that come to play.
So for Arsenal, I’m not really bothered about Heaven leaving. I hope he finds his heaven at Old Trafford!
For me, the Arsenal transfer news that is really concerning is the one about the club making a 60m bid for Olie Watkins ( and even reportedly willing to make a bigger offer in the face of Villa.s stance on the initial offer). I am really concerned about this one.
Look, Watkins is a good striker I agree. But he is nearly 30. How much football does he still have in his legs to command the grand price of 60m? For me it’s madness, and it should stop forthwith
I agree, I’d understand if that amount was for Duran who is 21 years old not Watkings. Rather consider Tel from Baryern & continue striker search in the summer.
Fully agree with both of you, Watkins is unlikely to help us win the league and come summer will we be adding another striker? If so having Watkins will prevent a move for the far more fitting likes of Isak, Gyokeres, Sesko etc.? Surely that £60m would be better going towards a Cunha (who can play Havertz’s false 9, LW or behind striker), Duran (who would surely understand our need to also bring in an experienced/alternate striker, as well given how many games a season we’re expected to play), or even a loan for Tel with an option to buy. And then there’s Ekitike, Boniface and about ten other different and younger strikers that could all do a decent job within that budget.
I have big faith in MA as a coach and tactician, especially in defence and midfield, it’s attack where I lose faith. I honestly don’t think he has much of a clue when it comes to attacking signings and alternate strategies. He needs someone like Bergkamp to come in and help in those areas.
CorporateMan
I agree with you, and am concerned myself. 60 million for nearly 30 year old Watkins seems Madness to me, and even more insane to return with a higher offer.
No resale value, pennies on the pound at best, and his best years are far behind him. Need an adult in the room to squash this before it even starts.
There was a rumor about Furgeson from Brighton and 50 million; I also hope this is fake news as that would also be a waste in my opinion.
My concern is trying to save a few million pounds getting Watkins, rather than investing in a younger player who is performing and has potential as well as a resale value if things don’t work out.
Pinching pennies is how you end up with Mustafi, Luiz, Pablo Mari, and a host of others rather than investing. I’m concerned that we won’t “invest” in a striker, but rather settle for a less than top player and continue to rely mainly on Havertz rather than foster competition for striker.
Maldini Kacurri has been reported as being the next best thing at CB and I noted he has been in the first team squad for the Zagreb and AV games. I’ve read where he has been absolutely outstanding for the under 21s and was MOTM in a recent 2-0 win over Forest. Perhaps Ayden saw his potential path to the first team being usurped and we granted his wish to now go elsewhere.
ha ha ha, a ha ha haha ha…..
We know the problem Benjamin, what’s the solution mate?
Have we even produced a top CB since the 90’s? This young man has to think about his career. Fans are just trying to win one over on United by having him stay. Realistically, he had no path to the first team here.
OT – Spuds have reached agreement on €60m deal with BM for Mathys Tel.