Arsenal have reportedly completed the signing of Tottenham prospect Elijah Upson, the 18-year-old son of former Gunners defender Matthew Upson, after missing out on Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers to Chelsea. The versatile defender is understood to have turned down a new contract at Tottenham despite spending most of his youth career at the north London club.
Upson's Decision and Interest
According to reports, Upson made his decision after visiting Arsenal's London Colney training ground and consulting with his family. Chelsea, Manchester City, and Everton were also interested, as were European giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen. However, Upson chose to follow in his father's footsteps, who made 56 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2003.
The move is expected to be confirmed in due course, with Tottenham receiving compensation from their rivals, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Upson's Youth Career
Upson, who can play centrally or at right-back, featured in six of Tottenham's seven UEFA Youth League matches this season. He also started 13 of the club's first 16 Under-18 Premier League fixtures. Across age groups, Upson made 34 appearances for the Under-18s, six for the Under-19s, and two for the Under-21s.
Morgan Rogers to Chelsea
Upson's move comes after Chelsea agreed to pay Aston Villa a club-record £117 million for Morgan Rogers. Arsenal had long appeared the most likely destination for the former Middlesbrough star, but their pursuit stalled once Chelsea swooped in. Xabi Alonso played a key role in convincing the England international to choose Stamford Bridge over the Emirates, despite Arsenal being champions.
Rogers is expected to undergo a medical in London on Monday once he returns from the World Cup. The transfer will trigger a major windfall for Middlesbrough, who inserted a 20% sell-on clause into the deal that took Rogers to Villa Park for an initial £7 million with a further £8 million in add-ons during the 2024 winter window.
Rogers started for England in their 6-4 win over France on Saturday night. The 23-year-old made three starts at the World Cup, scoring twice, and came off the bench in four other games.
