Arsenal have strengthened their long-term project by reaching a full agreement to sign highly-rated 18-year-old centre-back Elijah Upson.
Softfootball understands that all paperwork was signed on Thursday, with Upson set to become the latest young talent to join the Gunners. An official announcement is now expected in the coming days.
The teenage defender has chosen Arsenal despite being offered a new contract by Tottenham Hotspur, opting instead to continue his development under the North London rivals.
Upson is regarded as one of England’s promising defensive prospects, and Arsenal believe he has the potential to develop into a first-team player in the years ahead. His decision to reject Spurs in favour of the Gunners is viewed as another statement of the club’s growing appeal to emerging talent.
The move continues Arsenal’s active summer recruitment strategy, which has focused on both immediate reinforcements and long-term investment. It follows the club’s agreement to sign Greek international Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a deal worth €40 million, with all documents signed and the winger now cleared to undergo his medical before his arrival is officially confirmed.
With Upson’s signature secured and Tzolis also on the verge of being unveiled, Arsenal continue to build for both the present and the future as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for the 2026-27 campaign.
