Son of former Arsenal star decides to join Gunners after leaving Tottenham youth ranks: Reports

Former Arsenal centre-back Mathew Upson’s son, Elijah, has reportedly decided to join the Gunners from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs to get a training compensation fee.

Elijah, 18, rejected an extension offer with Spurs and also had offers from Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and AS Monaco before he opted to join his father’s former club.

As per Simon Jones of The Daily Mail (via Daily Cannon), the junior Upson visited the Gunners’ training facility last week and discussed with his family before making his decision.

Elijah, also a centre-back like his father, was a regular for Tottenham’s youth academy last season and also played six UEFA Youth League games. Amid speculation about his future, the teenager didn’t play again for the academy team since February.

Having appeared for the England U-18s in October, Elijah Upson was a part of the Three Lions’ Under-17 World Cup squad in November but had to pull out because of injury.

Elijah’s father, Mathew, played over 50 games for Arsenal between 1997-98 and 2002-03 and won six titles, including the Premier League under Arsene Wenger in 1997-98 and 2001-02. He’s also a three-time FA Cup winner with the Gunners and won the Super Cup in 2002-03 before joining Birmingham that summer.

A recap of Arsenal’s 2025-26 season

Arsenal had a successful 2025-26 season, with Mikel Arteta’s side winning the Premier League for the first time since their 2002-03 ‘Invincibles’ triumph under legendary boss Arsene Wenger.

Arteta’s side finished seven points above Manchester City to take the title after being runners-up in the previous three seasons. The Gunners also reached the UEFA Champions League final but lost on penalties to holders Paris Saint-Germain after a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes.

Three Gunners players – Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and Mikel Merino – will return to the club as 2026 FIFA World Cup winners if their Spain team dethrone holders Argentina in the New Jersey final on Sunday (July 19). The trio are part of a La Roja side looking to accomplish the European Championship-World Cup double for the second time, having first done so in South Africa in 2010.