​Arsenal are reportedly closing in on another exciting academy signing after emerging as favourites to secure former Tottenham Hotspur defender Elijah Upson. According to SportsView, the Gunners have taken the lead in the race to sign the highly regarded 18-year-old centre-back following his departure from Spurs, despite significant interest from clubs across England and Europe. The report states that Upson allowed his Tottenham scholarship to lapse after rejecting the club’s offer of a professional contract, a decision that allegedly sparked widespread interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton, all vying to recruit him. It also claims that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, along with Ligue 1 side Monaco, submitted offers before the teenager chose to continue his development with Arsenal after visiting the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
If the move is completed, it would mark another impressive piece of academy recruitment by Arsenal as they continue to strengthen their youth ranks. There is also a notable Arsenal connection: Upson is the son of former England international Matthew Upson, who began his Premier League career with the Gunners under Arsène Wenger before forging a successful top-flight career elsewhere. The younger Upson has already represented England at Under-18 level and is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young defenders. He combines a commanding physical presence with impressive pace, having previously been a national schools 100-metre sprint champion. His athleticism, aerial ability and composure in possession are said to have attracted interest from several elite clubs before Arsenal reportedly won the race for his signature.
The report also suggests that Upson’s arrival could help offset the anticipated departure of Hale End prospect Kyran Thompson, who has been linked with a move away from north London this summer. However, as things stand, Arsenal have yet to officially announce the signing, so supporters may have to wait a little longer before any deal is confirmed.