Arsenal are exploring a move for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Elijah Upson as the defender prepares to leave Spurs at the end of his contract. The 18-year-old centre-back is entering the final month of his deal and is expected to become available once his departure is officially completed.
According to reports, Arsenal have already opened preliminary discussions with Upson’s representatives. The North London side have monitored the defender’s situation for some time and now appear well-positioned to act as he searches for the next step in his development.
The move would fit Arsenal’s wider youth recruitment strategy, with the club continuing to target highly-rated young talents who can progress through their development system before challenging for senior opportunities.
Arsenal interested in Tottenham wonderkid Elijah Upson after contract decision
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Tottenham are set to lose several promising academy players this summer as a number of youngsters choose not to extend their contracts. Elijah Upson is among the names confirmed to be leaving after deciding against signing fresh terms offered by Spurs.
The teenager has opted to assess opportunities elsewhere as he looks for a clearer route towards senior football. That decision has opened the door for Arsenal, who have moved quickly to position themselves as potential suitors.
Upson is regarded as one of the more notable academy departures from Tottenham this summer. His situation has attracted attention across North London, particularly given Arsenal’s longstanding awareness of his availability.
One element that makes the situation particularly notable is Upson’s connection to Arsenal through his father, former Gunners defender Matthew Upson. While the defender’s future will ultimately depend on the opportunities presented to him, Arsenal’s interest comes with a natural familiarity.
The young centre-back gained valuable experience during the 2025/26 campaign. He made 23 appearances, mainly for Tottenham’s Under-18 side, while also stepping up to feature twice for the Under-21s during the Premier League 2 season.
Those appearances provided important exposure at different academy levels and helped strengthen his reputation as a promising defensive prospect. Arsenal believe his profile fits the type of young player they want to develop within their academy structure.
Arsenal academy recruitment strategy continues with Elijah Upson pursuit
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The interest in Upson is not an isolated move. Arsenal are also working on other academy-focused additions as they continue to strengthen their youth ranks ahead of the new season.
Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga and Paris Saint-Germain prospect Emmanuel Mbemba are among the players linked with moves to the club. The pursuit of multiple young talents highlights Arsenal’s commitment to building long-term depth across several positions.
There has also been discussion surrounding Samuel Amissah, although Fulham have already confirmed that the defender has been offered a new contract. Upson’s case appears far more straightforward given his confirmed departure from Tottenham.
Elijah Upson Under-21 development pathway could accelerate Arsenal progress
If Arsenal successfully complete a deal for Upson, the defender is expected to sign professional terms and join the club’s Under-21 setup. Such a move would place him within Arsenal’s accelerated development pathway as he continues his progression.
Mikel Arteta has overseen a structure that places significant value on developing promising young players, particularly those capable of growing into long-term first-team options. Upson’s age, position and academy experience make him a logical fit for that approach.
The coming weeks will determine whether Arsenal can turn their interest into an agreement. With his Tottenham exit approaching, the defender is set to become one of the more closely watched academy prospects available this summer.
For Arsenal, securing Upson would represent another statement of intent in their youth recruitment drive. The focus now shifts to whether the club can finalise a move and integrate the defender into a pathway designed to bring emerging talents closer to first-team football.
Related Items:Elijah Upson, Tottenham Hotspur
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