Kyran Thompson set to join Tottenham from Arsenal as Mikel Arteta loses ‘big’ talent

Tottenham‘s summer rebuild is showing no signs of slowing down after a series of major moves in the transfer market.

Spurs have already agreed deals for Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, while Roberto De Zerbi‘s side continue to push hard in their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The Italy international remains one of the club’s priority targets, with reports suggesting Tottenham have received encouragement from Tonali’s camp as they explore a marquee deal with Newcastle.

Alongside their interest in Tonali, Spurs are also working on a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes in a separate deal, as reliably reported everywhere.

There is a growing feeling that Tottenham are attempting to build a squad capable of competing at the very top end of the Premier League again.

The arrivals of players like van Hecke, Robertson and Senesi – who only cost a combined £52m – have already demonstrated the club’s serious ambition under De Zerbi’s leadership.

However, Tottenham’s recruitment strategy is not solely focused on established first-team stars.

The north London club remain determined to strengthen their academy ranks and secure some of the most promising young players available.

This comes as some exciting young players are also expected to leave Spurs, most notably Elijah Upson.

Reports this week suggested Arsenal are expected to move for the teenage defender after he elected not to sign a professional contract with Tottenham, with ESPN reporting that their north London rivals are looking to take advantage.

The highly-rated centre-back is now poised to leave Spurs, with the Gunners positioning themselves as fierce contenders.

However, Tottenham could now be about to respond with a notable academy signing of their own from, you guessed it, Arsenal.

Kryan Thompson set to join Tottenham from Arsenal

According to journalist Gary Ward, 16-year-old Arsenal winger Kryan Thompson is set to join Spurs.

His update, via X, claims the teenager is Tottenham-bound after deciding to leave the Gunners.

Arsenal were believed to be in talks with the England Under-17 international over a new deal with his current contract expiring at the end of June (Fabrizio Romano).

Thompson, who has been called a ‘big talent’ by Ward and one of the country’s most highly-rated young players, could now be on his way to N17 instead.

If a deal is indeed completed, it would represent another intriguing piece of academy recruitment involving the two fierce rivals.

Before joining Arsenal, he spent time in West Ham United’s academy and built a reputation as a player capable of making things happen in the final third.

His pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders have made him a standout performer at youth level.

The winger has attracted praise from coaches throughout his development, and those qualities appear to have convinced Tottenham that he is worth pursuing.

Spurs have invested heavily in youth recruitment over recent years, and the club believe securing elite prospects before they break into senior football is an important part of building long-term success.

The timing of the report is particularly interesting given the situation involving Upson.

If Arsenal do proceed with their expected move for the defender, both clubs could effectively end up taking highly-rated youngsters from one another during the same window.

That would add another fascinating subplot to one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.