17-year-old Arsenal youngster now called up to first-team training ahead of Brentford game this weekend

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Academy centre-back Ayden Heaven has now been spotted in first team Arsenal training ahead of a trip to Brentford on Saturday.

Heaven was photographed alongside Martin Odegaard in Arsenal training, something spotted by journalist Jeorge Bird on X.

And the move is certainly a big show of faith in the youngster who has shone for the under-18 side in the past.

Heaven initially started his journey in the Arsenal academy as a midfielder, but slowly made the move to centre-back.

And that partly explains why the 17-year-old is now often praised for his ability to play out from the back with great composure.

Perhaps this is just a move to make up the numbers whilst several are away during international duty, but it certainly bodes well.

Heaven has now been receiving opportunities with Arsenal’s under-21 side, and it seems he is now hitting a steep upwards curve.

Of course, it is worth mentioning Martin Odegaard’s return to Arsenal training, pictured alongside Heaven.

The skipper has been sorely missed whilst dealing with a couple of issues, and he will be a big boost if ready to start on Saturday.

Ayden Heaven now called up to Arsenal training ahead of Brentford

Heaven certainly has some brilliant examples to look up to in the Arsenal first team, one of those being William Saliba.

And the Frenchman did start for his country in a 2-2 draw with Greece last night.

Saliba played 90 minutes in the draw, and was subject to some customary criticism when wearing a France shirt.

Moreover, it was also a difficult night for Arsenal’s Brazilians.

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were both mentioned for their part in Brazil’s failure to score against Argentina.

Nonetheless, those performances are bound to be forgotten by the time Mikel Arteta has his key players back at London Colney and focused on Brentford.

And with a few returning from injury, it’ll certainly be interesting to see how Arteta decides to set up his side.

Ayden Heaven may have outside hopes of making an Arsenal squad in the near future after his experience in training.

However, it seems that Arteta’s options are now about to be close to full strength once again.