{"id":16712,"date":"2026-07-12T15:54:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T15:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=16712"},"modified":"2026-07-12T15:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T15:54:09","slug":"report-arsenal-beat-top-clubs-to-sign-former-tottenham-youngster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=16712","title":{"rendered":"Report: Arsenal beat top clubs to sign former Tottenham youngster"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Arsenal are reportedly closing in on another exciting academy addition after emerging as favourites to sign former Tottenham Hotspur defender Elijah Upson.<\/p>\n

According to SportsView<\/em>the Gunners have won the race for the highly-rated 18-year-old centre-back following his departure from Spurs, despite significant interest from clubs across England and Europe.<\/p>\n

Arsenal reportedly win race for highly-rated defender<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to the report, Upson allowed his Tottenham scholarship to expire after rejecting the club\u2019s offer of a professional contract.<\/p>\n

That decision is said to have sparked widespread interest, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton all attempting to secure his signature.<\/p>\n

The report also claims Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, along with Ligue 1 side Monaco, all made offers before the teenager opted to continue his development with Arsenal after visiting the club\u2019s Sobha Realty Training Centre.<\/p>\n

Should the move be completed, it would represent another impressive piece of academy recruitment by Arsenal as they continue strengthening their youth ranks.<\/p>\n

\"arsenal\"
Matthew Upson of England<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Familiar family connection<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is also a notable Arsenal connection.<\/p>\n

Upson is the son of former England international Matthew Upson, who began his Premier League career with the Gunners under Ars\u00e8ne Wenger before enjoying a successful top-flight career elsewhere.<\/p>\n

The younger Upson has already represented England at Under-18 level and is regarded as one of the country\u2019s most promising young defenders.<\/p>\n

He combines his imposing physical presence with outstanding pace, having previously been a national schools 100-metre sprint champion.<\/p>\n

His athleticism, aerial ability and composure in possession are believed to have attracted interest from several elite clubs before Arsenal reportedly won the race for his signature.<\/p>\n

The report also suggests the arrival of Upson could help offset the expected departure of Hale End prospect Kyran Thompson, who has been linked with a move away from north London this summer.<\/p>\n

As things stand, however, Arsenal have yet to officially announce the signing, so supporters may have to wait a little longer before any deal is confirmed.<\/p>\n

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