What does future hold for Arsenal teenager Heaven?

Arsenal defender Ayden Heaven is the subject of speculation in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old made his debut in a Carabao Cup tie in October, highlighting how highly rated he is at Hale End, but the centre-back now has just six months left on his current contract.

The Gunners are believed to be in talks on renewing Heaven's deal and are looking to convince him with a favourable pathway.

However, there is speculation about interested clubs trying to poach him, such as European giants Borussia Dortmund and Ajax, who specialise in bringing through youth talent.

Heaven is a left-footed centre-back, who can also play left-back, while also an England Under-19 international, but who is he and why is he so highly rated?

Heaven was let go by West Ham as a youngster - at the time a forward trying to follow in the footsteps of his early idols Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.

He organised trials at every club in London upon his release and getting into Arsenal's academy was a dream move considering the Gunners were his boyhood club.

The switch to become a defender came around the age of 14 after a significant growth spurt.

Heaven began watching William Saliba, a player he has built a close personal bond with - but also Antonio Rudiger, Virgil van Dijk and Alessandro Bastoni.

Much of Heaven's spare time is spent watching Europe's best defenders - as he looks to develop into a Premier League-level player.

But he is up against it because, in English football, it is harder for young centre-backs to break through than players in any other position.

Arsenal's academy looks like it is making progress under Per Mertesacker's leadership as top starlets, including 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, are breaking through into the first team picture.

However, the level the Gunners have risen has meant some talents, like Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Amario Cozier-Duberry, leaving the club.

What Heaven's future holds remains to be seen, but the fact he has many good relationships at Arsenal may ease negotiations.

Ayden Heaven, pictured at age seven