'Arrived in town' - Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United set to sign defender who turned down Arsenal deal

Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Arsenal youngster Aydan Heaven before deadline day of the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old defender is set to follow in the footsteps of Chido Obi-Martin, who also rejected an offer to stay at Arsenal last summer and moved to Old Trafford.

United have stepped up their recruitment at youth level over the past year and are looking to gain an advantage over their rivals by signing highly rated youngsters for their academy. They are doing so to improve the chances of unearthing a future first-team player and because current financial rules incentivise the sale of any academy graduate.

It is unlikely United will formally announce the signing of Heaven from Arsenal but his imminent arrival will be recognised as another coup for the club after they fought off interest from other clubs for his signature this month.

Fabrizio Romano confirms deal is imminent

Taking to social media on Friday morning, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Heaven’s move to United and stated the teenager was already in Manchester ahead of completing the deal. “Manchester United’s next signing Ayden Heaven, arrived in town and set to complete formal steps of his move to the club. He’s joining Man United from Arsenal despite new contract proposal from the Gunners. Exclusive story revealed 10 days ago, set to be announced soon.”

Earlier in the week, Romano claimed Heaven had not only turned down a new contract with Arsenal to move to United but he had also rejected an offer to join German club Eintracht Frankfurt. It has also been claimed both Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund held an interest in the teenage talent, though neither of the clubs are believed to have tabled a formal offer.

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