Transfers

Arsenal prospect Heaven close to Man Utd move

Manchester United are close to finalizing a deal for Arsenal’s promising 18-year-old central defender, Ayden Heaven.

United secured striker Chido Obi-Martin from the Gunners in October, and the 17-year-old has already impressed in the club’s FA Youth Cup campaign. Now, the Red Devils are expected to conclude negotiations with Heaven, who made his senior debut as a substitute in an EFL Cup win against Preston.

While Arsenal are reluctant to lose Heaven, the London-born player understands that his chances of regular first-team action are limited, as Mikel Arteta has a solid lineup of senior defenders.

In contrast, Manchester United are focusing on improving their recruitment, which has been lacking in recent years. In addition to Obi-Martin, the club has also secured a deal for Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon.

It remains unclear whether Heaven will immediately join United’s first-team squad or start in the Premier League 2 setup.

Transfers

Marseille eyes loan move for Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho

'Not Good Enough' - Sevilla To Offload Kelechi Iheanacho In January Transfer Category

Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille is keen on signing Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho on loan for the remainder of the season.

Sevilla is open to letting Iheanacho leave this month after the forward struggled to make an impact following his free transfer last summer.

The Spanish club recently bolstered their attack by signing Jerome Akor Adams from Montpellier.

Reports from France suggest Iheanacho is leaning towards a move to Marseille despite having multiple offers on the table.

Marseille has already made contact with both Sevilla and the 28-year-old striker, who is expected to make a decision before the winter transfer window closes.

Transfers

Arsenal pursue Ollie Watkins as Villa reject £60m bid

Arsenal has set its sights on signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins before next week’s transfer deadline, according to the Daily Mail.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, a long-time admirer of the 29-year-old, has overseen an initial £60 million bid, which Villa has rejected. However, Arsenal is expected to return with an improved offer.

Watkins, a key player for Unai Emery’s squad, remains under contract for another three years. Despite Villa’s strong bargaining position, a move to Arsenal may tempt the England international, who once revealed his childhood dream of playing for the North London club.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it’s a long shot,” Watkins said in 2020 while at Brentford.

Watkins has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances this season, including a recent strike in Villa’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Transfers

Manchester United near £30m deal for Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu

Manchester United are nearing a £30m deal to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

The two clubs have been in discussions since last week, with many aspects of the transfer already agreed upon, and talks continuing to finalize the deal’s structure.

According to Sky Sports, Dorgu is set to become Ruben Amorim’s first signing as United manager.

The 20-year-old left wing-back is eager to join, and personal terms are expected to be straightforward.

Since Amorim’s appointment, the left wing-back position has been a top priority, and this transfer has been one of the most likely to go through during the window, regardless of the club’s circumstances.

Dorgu, who has made 53 Serie A appearances for Lecce since his 2022 move from Danish club Nordsjaelland, has also earned four caps for Denmark.