Arsenal’s summer transfer window will be busy as many supporters will demand signings after yet another runners-up finish in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta is set for a potentially career-defining window with the desire to win trophies now at a peak.
Tottenham Hotspur’s victory in the Europa League has perhaps increased the pressure on Arteta further – if it is not to be the Premier League, some silverware must come to Emirates Stadium in 2025/26.
Fully aware of this pressure to deliver, Arteta and Arsenal appear to be working hard to get deals done. Martin Zubimendi and Benjamin Sesko are the two top priorities this summer while Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres remains on the radar.
However, while outside additions to the squad are always exciting for supporters Arteta has some very talented youngsters at his disposal – but has also seen some young players leave the club.
The Gunners have brought through some quality players – Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly have both become instrumental – while Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman are very bright prospects.
But one player who decided to move on was Ayden Heaven. The centre-back moved to the north west in January and speaking to Manchester United’s official website, the 18-year-old explained his choice.
“The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,” he said. “I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24].
“That convinced me to come here. And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing – they’re so supportive.”
On his departure from Arsenal, Heaven posted on the social media platform Instagram in February: “As the time has come for me to move on, I wanted to say how grateful I am to the good people at Arsenal who supported me during my time with the club.
“As a North London boy, I lived the dream of training and playing at Hale End and London Colney, as well as making my professional debut in the League Cup. “A big thank you too to Arsenal fans.”
With Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) valuing younger talent higher than ever before, the Gunners’ academy could become crucial in the coming years.
They saw Chido Obi move on too with the striker, who set social media abuzz with some high-scoring performances, also signing for United.
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
