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      Meet Ayden Heaven, 18, Arsenal defender and fan who is built like Patrick Vieira and idolises surprise ex-Gunners duo

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      IN Ayden Heaven, it seems Arsenal have got one hell of a player.The 18-year-old centre-back made his competitive senior debut in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Preston in the Carabao Cup fourth round – from the bench in the 80th minute.Ayden Heaven is greeted by Mikel Arteta after his debut against PrestonCredit: ReutersThe defender (right) made his Gunners bow in the Carabao Cup at DeepdaleCredit: ReutersHeaven (second left) with other Arsenal academy stars after beating Bolton in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHeaven has represented England at Under-18 levelBefore that, he was one of several academy stars to feature on the club’s pre-season summer tour of the States with boss Mikel Arteta starting him against Manchester United.Heaven – standing at 6ft 3in and a left-footer – was at fault for United’s opener, outmuscled and outpaced by Rasmus Hojlund, but he recovered well as Arsenal won the game 2-1.He has gone from strength to strength since then, looking good on living up to his potential and the lofty expectations Arsenal have of him to succeed.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?The first thing you notice about Heaven is his size and physicality, the body of a young, raw Patrick Vieira who is not afraid to get stuck in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs shown against Hojlund in the summer, Heaven still needs time to bulk up and prove he can mix it with the biggest and most intimidating strikers in the Prem.But Arteta is happy to remain calm in that department, mainly because of Heaven’s technique and calmness on the ball.Avid watchers of Arsenal’s academy sides know Heaven very rarely loses his cool, appears unflappable in possession and has the ability to ping cross-field balls like a prime Steven Gerrard.Arteta will be hoping Arsenal have another William Saliba-style defender in the making – one who is big, quick and able to start attacks from deep.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE?Heaven is extremely highly thought of at Arsenal, having also made the bench for Arsenal’s last 16 first Champions League clash at Porto back in February.He is now a trusted member of the senior squad, expected to step up when called upon, especially after Arsenal’s injury woes at the start of this campaign.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAfter featuring against Preston, Heaven said: “I’ve waited a long time. Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my team-mates, my family and everyone that’s got me here.“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 signed for the Gunners in 2019 after being released by West Ham as a 12-year-old, having also had trials at Chelsea and Fulham – turning down the latter because training was too far from his north London home in Edmonton.Before being picked up by Arsenal, he played for Sunday League outfit Levels – a grassroots club who give players opportunities to compete against elite football academies.But Arsenal were always going to be his first pick given he was a boyhood fan – his idols being Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.Heaven explained: “Arsenal were knocking on the door and that made more sense given that, firstly I’m a fan, but also the location was much more convenient.“Hale End was only a 15-minute drive, so everything fell into place perfectly. Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried!“My family are so important, they’re my motivation, I’ve got two younger siblings and an older sister that mean the world to me.”Heaven flourished under former Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere, helping him get chances in the first team and training under Arteta at London Colney.The teenager added: “The intensity is crazy! You get dizzy sometimes because it’s at such a quick tempo. The difference between under-18s, under-21s and the first team is unbelievable.”I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this at his ageARTETA AFTER PRE-SEASON GAME AGAINST MAN UTDWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Arteta is not one for over-hyping a young player too quickly, but the Spaniard had some nice words to say about Heaven after the pre-season victory over United.He said post-match: “At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.“He’s lost a duel against 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.”WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Heaven’s future at Arsenal is not set in stone. After signing scholarship terms with the club last summer, he is yet to begin serious talks over a new deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis contract expires in June 2025. There is confidence an agreement can be made for such a young talent in the coming months. If not, there are big European clubs sniffing around, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who famously developed young English stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens.BOY WONDERSHERE is more from our Boy Wonders series More

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      Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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      Chelsea line up £35m transfer raid for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher despite already having TEN goalkeepers

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      CHELSEA are plotting a summer raid on Liverpool for their goalie Caoimhin Kelleher, SunSport understand.The Irishman is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season when the Reds welcome new shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Chelsea are plotting a summer raid for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AlamyChelsea manager Enzo Maresca might end up with ELEVEN goalkeepersCredit: AlamyThat signing is likely to see Kelleher, who has been superb between the sticks for Liverpool following the injury to Alisson, fall down to THIRD in the pecking order.That’s despite him starring in the team in recent weeks.Kelleher has no interest in sitting on the bench in the future, and the Republic of Ireland international almost left over the summer with Nottingham Forest among the clubs who reportedly lead the way for his services.Now Chelsea, who are in the market for a top keeper, are tracking the player.Read More on FootballSources told SunSport that one sticking point is the fact that Liverpool aren’t keen to sell such a good player to a potential title rival.But if Chelsea match the £35million valuation the club have placed on the player they might be left with little choice.Chelsea’s pursuit of the player is set to be matched by two Italian giants.Juventus and Napoli are both monitoring Kelleher but he is believed to prefer the option of staying in the Premier League if a deal can be done.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ending up with a staggering ELEVEN goalkeepers.Those would include Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Luke Campbell, Ted Curd and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The West Londoners also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach, who are out of contract in June.Our story comes after Kelleher was given the seal of approval by former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.“Caoimhin played 26 games last season and in that time he showed that he has the talent to be a No1 in the Premier League,” Given said.“But he turns 26 later this month and, if I am brutally honest, he needs to get away from Liverpool if he wants that to happen.“Kelleher would have been disappointed to hear [manager Arne] Slot state publicly that Alisson will always be his first-choice keeper because everyone wants to go into training every day with the belief that they are fighting for a place in the team. “Every professional footballer has to have that hope that if they get a place in the team and perform well then they will keep the jersey.“Caoimhin hasn’t got that. It has been made clear to him that he will always be behind Alisson – and let’s be honest he is up against a guy who is one of the best in the world.“Caoimhin turns 26 later this month. He’s done his time at Liverpool. That’s no disrespect to a brilliant club but they are now starting to think that they can’t hold Kelleher back for much longer because he is a quality player.“Maybe Caoimhin has been too nice about it up to now because sometimes you do have to force the issue. That isn’t a nice situation. He has been very loyal to Liverpool and he won’t want to upset the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the same time, you only have one career, one life and one opportunity to make the most of what you’ve got. Ten years down the road he could be 36 and people are talking about him as being over the hill.”Given added: “I look at him and think this guy’s the real deal. He proved last season over a long period of time that he is top quality. I’m sure there’s a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at him. He is ripe, fully cooked, and ready to flourish.” More

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      Chelsea injury blow to key midfielder as his international boss details ‘hamstring injury’ that is ‘bothering him’

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      CHELSEA have suffered a major injury blow as Romeo Lavia’s injury problems resurfaced on Nations League duty. Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has confirmed that Lavia was unable to train with his Belgium team-mates this week.Chelsea have suffered a fresh injury below to Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyLavia has suffered a knock in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with ArsenalCredit: RexTedesco told RTL Sports: “I think Romeo Lavia has a hamstring problem.”It was bothering him this morning and we didn’t want to risk him.”The midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal but still reported for international duty with Belgium.But despite insisting he “should be fine”, Lavia was not selected to feature in the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Italy.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd he will not be involved against Israel on Sunday either.Lavia’s lack of action has left Chelsea fans and Enzo Maresca sweating on his fitness. The 20-year-old missed the entire 2023-24 campaign following his £50m arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer.He was also unavailable for four games in August and September with a thigh issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the former Southampton star has enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign in Maresca’s new-look midfield. Lavia has formed a formidable partnership with Moises Caicedo since being introduced to the starting XI.Chelsea fans lose their minds as club legend RETURNS in Lavia announcement video and beg him to ‘sign one-year deal’The £165m pairing have even pushed Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez out of the starting line-up.Fernandez’ benching amounts to a huge midfield conundrum as the 23-year-old Argentine was brought in on a £107m price tag.Maresca admitted only last month that he was “afraid” of Lavia potentially getting injured.Chelsea will hope Lavia will be fit when they return to action against Leicester City on 23 November.Meanwhile, those in West London stand on tender hooks to see how Cole Palmer is too.The 22-year-old Prem star was spotted limping after the Arsenal game and withdrew from England’s Nations League duty.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Palmer wore a disguise as he rocked up to watch Stockport County beat Wrexham 1-0 in League One on Saturday. More

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      Chelsea flop Benoit Badiashile offered way out of Stamford Bridge nightmare with shock transfer to European giants

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      CHELSEA star Benoit Badiashile could be set for a January exit, according to reports.The Frenchman, 23, has struggled for game time this season under Enzo Maresca.Benoit Badiashile has been linked with a Chelsea exitCredit: RexBadiashile has been a regular in the cups, starting every Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup tie thus far.But in the Premier League he has been limited to just one 37-minute cameo.According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Badiashile has attracted interest from Serie A giants Juventus.Thiago Motta’s side are eager to strengthen their back-line in January, following long-term injuries suffered by Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that Juve would be interested in a permanent or loan switch in order to bring Badiashile in.The centre-back cost the Blues £35million when he signed from Monaco nearly two years ago.He has since played 41 times for Chelsea in all competitions, having suffered with groin and hamstring injuries.This season boss Maresca has preferred Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as his centre-back pairing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile he also has Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi to call upon.The Blues have so far defied pre-season expectations and sit third in the Premier League.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemLast time out they drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.Following the international break they return to action next Saturday, when they travel to Maresca’s former club Leicester. More

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      Cole Palmer amazes fans as Chelsea star reveals what he did with his medals from Man City’s Treble winning season

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer revealed he has parked all his Manchester City medals at his mum’s place in order to “restock”.Palmer, 22, has already won every major honour available despite his young age thanks to his brief three-year stint at City where he was part of the Treble-winning team in 2023.Chelsea star Cole Palmer has parked his Treble-winning medals with Manchester City at his mum’sCredit: GettyPalmer wants to ‘restock’ and is focused on winning more medals with ChelseaCredit: GettyMany in his place would hang their medals in full view at their home as a constant reminder of their stunning achievements, but the playmaker feels differently.Instead, the England international decided to hand them over to his mother in order to remain motivated to win more honours with Chelsea, where he moved shortly after winning the Treble with City.Palmer told GQ Magazine: “I give them to my mum. I wanted to restock.”Clear them out so I can stock up again. The feeling you get when you win… You just want it again. Read More on Football”You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”Chelsea fans loved what Palmer said as they stormed social media to praise his mentality.One supporter tweeted: “Mentality.”Another commented: “Wow!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “I love this kind of mentality.”This fan said: “He wanted to build a legacy in Chelsea so he need to clear Man City stuff off.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauds Cole Palmer as the type of player supporters ‘pay to see’ And that one stated: “The past is gone…. More trophies ahead.”Palmer left City because he knew opportunities would be limited under Pep Guardiola despite being fully aware there would be more honours on the horizon.The forward has now reached stardom at Chelsea where he already counts a staggering total of 32 goals and 20 assists in 58 appearances with the Blues. More

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      Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ‘huge fan’ of £50m Premier League defender with 43 senior caps already aged 22

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      ENZO MARESCA is reportedly a “huge fan” of Bournemouth defender Ilya Zabarnyi.The Cherries star has impressed since he arrived in the Premier League in 2023.Enzo Maresca is keen on signing Ilya ZabaryniCredit: AlamyThe defender is valued at £50millionCredit: GettyZabarnyi, 22, joined Bournemouth from Dynamo Kiev on an initial five-year contract.Due to his good form at the Vitality Stadium, he has already been rewarded with a new deal.He is now tied down on the South Coast until 2029, but Chelsea remain keen.CaughtOffside have claimed that the Blues could make an offer to sign the Ukranian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report suggests that Bournemouth could be open to a sale if his £50million price-tag is met.It is further added that Maresca is “a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities”.It is also claimed that the manager is ready to “make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad”.This season Zabarnyi has played in every Premier League fixture for the Cherries.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has helped the side to 12th in the league with only 15 goals conceded.This defensive record is better than the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham and Brentford.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesIt is only slightly worse than the 13 goals conceded by Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.He has also gained plenty of international experience having earned 43 caps for the Ukraine.However, Chelsea will have to compete with Spurs in the race for his signature.It is claimed that the North London side have been”tracking” the defender for some “a while”.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      How England boss Thomas Tuchel turned big-money Chelsea star from flop into ‘Europe’s best defender’

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      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel turned Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in Europe during their time together at Chelsea.Chelsea gave Roma £29million for Rudiger in 2017 but the Germany international endured a difficult first few seasons in West London.Thomas Tuchel made Antonio Rudiger into the best-centre back in EuropeTuchel and Rudiger won the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup togetherRudiger, 31, won the FA Cup under Antonie Conte and the Europa League under Maurizio Sarri before his fortunes took a downward turn.The defender began to struggle for game time under Frank Lampard in the Chelsea legend’s first managerial stint at Stamford Bridge.He played just nine games in all competitions in Lampard’s six months, behind first- choice duo Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.Lampard’s former assistant Jody Morris has since tried to clear things up after revealing that Rudiger “wasn’t fit” for most of Lampard’s first reign.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Rudiger was attracting interest from clubs looking to take him on loan in January 2021, until Lampard was sacked and Thomas Tuchel stepped in.Tuchel immediately reinstalled his countryman to the starting XI.The former Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund defender was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League success at the end of the 2020/21 season.Morris told talkSPORT: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and he wasn’t fit for a large spell.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Has Rudiger played to the level that he played under Tuchel anywhere else? I’m not sure. Previously to us going in there, never.”But I get that because even from watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don’t think there was a better centre half in Europe after that.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichRudiger was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League win over Man City in 2021Credit: GettyBut Morris was keen not to place the blame on Lampard.He added: “But I think you can always get those types of players that excel under a new manager, a new system.”I think the fact that he moved into a back three allowed for three centre halves to come in and Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.”Not just from a defensive aspect, actually, going forward, I thought he has a few roaming runs, but I’m not sure we see that level of performance previously or maybe since.”Rudiger memorably went unpunished for body-checking Kevin De Bruyne in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League final win, as the Man City superstar was subbed off with a facial injury, as post-match tests revealed a fractured nose and eye socket.But Chelsea failed to persuade the German to sign a new contract during the following season, as he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.And just as well, as Tuchel would be sacked from Chelsea just a few months later in September 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning LaLiga and the Champions League last term.His Los Blancos contract ends in June 2026.Antonio Rudiger won his second Champions League title with Madrid in MayCredit: Sunday TimesForgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. More