Arsenal are facing the prospect of losing one of the club’s most highly-rated academy talents, with Tottenham Hotspur increasingly confident of signing winger Kyran Thompson.
The 16-year-old joined Arsenal from West Ham United in 2024 in a deal worth around £1.1million and has quickly established himself as one of the standout prospects within the Hale End system.
Thompson enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks last season after being promoted to the Under-18 squad despite his age.
The teenager also featured in Arsenal’s UEFA Youth League campaign and made his debut for the Under-21 side in Premier League 2.
His progress has not gone unnoticed internally, with the winger having previously trained alongside Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.
Arsenal remain keen to keep Thompson and are understood to have been working on extending his stay at the club.
However, with his current scholarship terms due to expire at the end of June, uncertainty remains over his long-term future.
That situation has alerted several leading clubs across England.
Manchester City have maintained an interest in Thompson after attempting to sign him before his move to Arsenal, although their efforts have not progressed.
Instead, Tottenham have emerged as the strongest contenders and are reportedly optimistic about completing a deal.
The possibility of losing a player regarded as one of the brightest talents in his age group would represent a significant setback for Arsenal’s academy plans.
Thompson’s versatility has been one of the standout features of his development.
While naturally a right winger, he has also operated as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder during the past season.
His ability to play across the front line has made him one of the most closely monitored young players at the club.
The competition for attacking places within Arsenal’s academy and first-team pathway could also play a role in the teenager’s thinking.
Max Dowman has already been identified as a player expected to feature prominently in Mikel Arteta’s plans, while Ethan Nwaneri remains another major talent progressing through the system.
There have also been significant changes behind the scenes at academy level following the departure of Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal are still assessing candidates to succeed the former academy manager, with several structural decisions continuing to be made across the youth set-up.
Despite Tottenham’s growing confidence, Arsenal have not given up hope of retaining Thompson.
The club remain determined to keep one of their most promising young players, but with interest intensifying and no agreement yet in place, the coming days could prove decisive in determining where the talented winger continues his development.