Tottenham Hotspur are set to lose highly rated academy defender Elijah Upson to north London rivals Arsenal after he rejected a new contract.
The 18-year-old has agreed a long-term deal with the Gunners, ending an 11-year association with Spurs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has been signed and an official Arsenal announcement is expected shortly.
Tottenham confirmed on 10 June that Upson had turned down their contract offer and would leave the club. The centre-back had been part of the academy since the age of seven.
Tottenham lose promising defender to biggest rivals
Upson featured for Tottenham’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides and represented the club in the UEFA Youth League.
He also earned England youth recognition and scored a stoppage-time winner against France on his Under-18 debut in October 2025.
The defender was part of Tottenham’s Under-17 Premier League Cup-winning squad in 2024/25. His decision to join Arsenal will frustrate supporters because Spurs had attempted to retain him.
Upson is the son of former England centre-back Matthew Upson, who began his senior career with Arsenal before later representing Birmingham City, West Ham United and Stoke City.
Tottenham have already overseen several departures during Roberto De Zerbi’s major summer rebuild. Luka Vuskovic completed a move to Brighton worth up to £50m, while further first-team sales are expected.
Unlike the Vuskovic agreement, Upson’s exit was not driven by Tottenham seeking a transfer fee. The youngster rejected the opportunity to continue his development at Hotspur Way and chose Arsenal’s academy project instead.
Spurs must now ensure other leading prospects can see a clear route towards De Zerbi’s senior squad.
