Arsenal prodigy Kyran Thompson is closing in on a shock move to north London rivals Tottenham.
The 16-year-old highly-rated winger joined the Gunners in 2024 after the club paid West Ham £1.1million to sign him.
Last season, Thompson was fast-tracked into the Under 18s, while also featuring for the Under 19s in UEFA’s Youth League — an academy version of the Champions League — and making his Under 21 debut in Premier League 2.
The Gunners, who see a pathway for the teenager, are keen to tie him down to a new extended contract with his current scholarship terms expiring on June 30.
But a deal has not yet been struck, leaving the teenager free to move elsewhere. It’s understood that Manchester City, who had previously tried to sign the player two years ago, again registered their interest to no avail.
That has seen Spurs emerge as front-runners and they are confident a deal will be completed. Thompson last season played in a variety of positions including centre forward and attacking midfield, though right wing is his predominant spot.
Highly rated Arsenal academy talent Kyran Thompson is being watched closely by Tottenham
The 16-year-old has previously trained with Mikel Arteta’s first team stars but the club’s attacking pathway is cluttered
The attacking pathway at Arsenal is crowded with 16-year-old Max Dowman firmly in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans, and the future of Ethan Nwaneri in the balance.
There is also the added factor of changes at the top, including the departure of academy manager Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal are still deciding on a replacement for Mertesacker, which is likely to complicate negotiations with the club’s young players at the moment.
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