Arsenal set to beat Premier League rivals to sign Tottenham starlet who rejected new deal

Arsenal are reportedly set to sign Elijah Upson from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

The 18-year-old, who is the son of former England defender Matthew Upson, left Spurs at the beginning of the month.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, he turned down a new contract at his former club and is now heading to the red half of north London.

Arsenal appear to have fended off interest from Premier League and European rivals for the centre-back’s signature.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reported earlier in July that Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton were all keen on Upson.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and AS Monaco were also interested.

Upson joined Spurs at the age of seven and won the Premier League Cup with their Under-17 side in the 2024/25 campaign.

He made 23 appearances at youth level last season and was captain of their Under-18 team on five occasions.

The teenager was also a national 100m sprint champion at school, as per the Metro.

Busy summer for Arsenal

Having ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, Arsenal are looking to finish top of the table once again in the new season.

They have completed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen after his initial loan spell.

Illan Meslier has joined as a new goalkeeper option for Mikel Arteta.

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Arsenal are set to sign former Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis in a £34million move from Club Brugge.

This comes after Leandro Trossard made a £17m switch to Besiktas.

The Gunners are also set to make an opening bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal have held talks with both Rogers and Villa, with club-to-club negotiations due to accelerate once the World Cup is finished.

Julian Alvarez also remains on their summer shortlist, but the Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin says they don’t want to sell.

Atletico rejected an £86m offer for the forward from Barcelona.