UMVA has learned that a highly promising young footballer, Elijah Upson, is set to leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of this month, with Arsenal emerging as a potential destination for the 18-year-old centre-back.
Upson has been with Tottenham since the age of seven, but his current contract is expiring on June 30, and he will be leaving the club. The young defender is the son of former England international Matthew Upson, who played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2003, making 57 appearances for the Gunners.
Tottenham have confirmed Upson's imminent exit, wishing him well for the future. A message from the Tottenham Hotspur Academy read: "With us since the age of seven, Elijah was a part of the U17 Premier League Cup winning squad, before featuring for both our U18s and U21s last season. We wish him well as he departs for pastures new."
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Arsenal are keen to build for the future and are interested in snapping up Upson, who is known for his great pace, having been a national 100m sprint champion during his school days. His mother, Ellie Darby, is a former runner, which may have contributed to his impressive speed.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Arsenal are not the only club interested in Upson, but they are looking to strengthen their squad with young talent. The Gunners are also believed to be eyeing another highly promising teenager, 16-year-old Jeremy Monga from Leicester City, who has already featured regularly for the Foxes.
Several top clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, are also interested in Monga, but Arsenal are thought to be leading the race for the talented winger. Leicester City are hoping to secure a significant transfer fee, reportedly at least £10m, after their relegation to League One.
