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18 Jul 2026 04:33-04:00
Arsenal are close to completing the signing of teenage defender Elijah Upson from Tottenham after the 18-year-old rejected a new contract with Spurs. The talented centre-back will join the Gunners on a free transfer on a long-term deal.
Arsenal land highly rated Spurs defender
Romano confirms the agreement
Romano confirmed that the deal had been completed after Arsenal secured the teenager's signature. Upson will join the club after turning down Tottenham's contract offer in favour of a move across north London.
He wrote on X: "Elijah Upson to Arsenal, here we go! Agreement signed today for 18 year old centre back to join Gunners project. Upson turned down new contract at Spurs to join Arsenal for long term, all set to be announced."
Why Upson chose Arsenal
Despite being highly rated in Tottenham's academy, Upson's route to the first team had become increasingly difficult. Spurs strengthened their defence with thearrivals of Marcos Senesi andJan Paul van Hecke, leaving the youngster behind established options including Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero.
Although Romero has been linked with Inter and Barcelona, Upson chose to continue his development elsewhere. Arsenal's record of promoting young talent under Arteta is believed to have been a key attraction, with players such as Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Marli Salmon all progressing into the senior set-up.
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Announcement expected soon
The transfer is expected to be announced once the remaining formalities are completed. Upson will then begin the next stage of his development at Arsenal, where he will look to establish himself within the club's long-term plans while the Gunners continue their summer recruitment.