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Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of young defender Elijah Upson from Tottenham Hotspur after the 18-year-old turned down a contract extension with Spurs. The promising centre-back is set to join the Gunners on a long-term deal as a free transfer.

Arsenal secure highly rated Tottenham defender

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Tottenham’s centre-back Upson without a transfer fee, following his decision not to renew his deal in north London. The teenage defender will become part of Mikel Arteta’s project under a long-term contract, with an official announcement expected shortly.

Upson’s arrival continues a busy summer for the Gunners. The club have already added goalkeeper Illan Meslier and have agreed terms for Christos Tzolis, while Leandro Trossard has departed to join Besiktas.

Romano confirms the deal

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal have successfully secured Upson’s signature. The 18-year-old rejected Tottenham’s renewal offer to make the switch across north London and join Arsenal’s youth-focused setup.

Romano stated on social media that the agreement was completed, saying that the 18-year-old defender had signed with Arsenal’s project after rejecting Spurs’ new deal, with an official announcement imminent.

Why Upson chose Arsenal

Although Upson was considered one of Tottenham’s most promising academy players, his chances of breaking into the senior squad had diminished following the club’s recent defensive reinforcements. Spurs recently bolstered their backline with Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, adding to established names such as Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Cristian Romero.

While Romero has drawn interest from Inter Milan and Barcelona, Upson opted for a new challenge. Arsenal’s strong track record in developing young talents under Arteta is believed to have played a major role in his decision. The club’s emphasis on youth, reflected in the progress of players like Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman, and Marli Salmon, appealed to the teenager’s ambitions.

Announcement expected soon

The official confirmation of the transfer is set to follow once the final administrative details are completed. Upson will then begin his journey at Arsenal, aiming to establish himself in the club’s long-term plans as the Gunners continue to strengthen their squad during the summer window.