Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing an audacious move to poach highly-rated Arsenal youngster Kyran Thompson. The 16-year-old winger joined the Gunners from West Ham United two years ago in a deal worth £1.1 million and was considered the next gem from Arsenal's Hale End Academy production line.
Thompson's rapid rise at Arsenal
Thompson has made rapid progress through the ranks at Arsenal, already making his Under-21 debut in Premier League 2. The club had hoped to tie him down to a new contract, with his current scholarship terms expiring in little over a week. However, with little progress made, rival clubs have begun circling with intent.
Manchester City, who attempted to sign Thompson when he left West Ham, have revived their interest, according to the Daily Mail. But Tottenham have emerged as the leading contenders and are growing increasingly confident of winning the race for a player Arsenal had earmarked for a bright future.
Arsenal's youth pathway under Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shown a willingness to give young players chances, with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman all making first-team impressions over the last 18 months. Marli Salmon and Jaden Dixon also made senior debuts last season, and Thompson was expected to follow suit in the coming years.
However, competition for attacking places at Arsenal is intense. Leicester City's Jeremy Monga, who plays in a similar position to Thompson, is on the verge of agreeing a move to the Premier League champions. Additionally, Arsenal are still settling on a replacement for academy director Per Mertesacker, who departed at the end of last season after serving throughout Arteta's managerial reign.
