Arsenal academy winger Kyran Thompson has agreed to join Newcastle United after rejecting the chance to remain in north London.
The 16-year-old reached the end of his Arsenal deal this summer and attracted several proposals, including interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Thompson has chosen Newcastle from five offers, with a medical and contract signing expected to follow.
The England Under-17 international will move as a free agent, although Arsenal should receive training compensation for his development.
Thompson departure frustrates Arsenal academy plans
Thompson progressed quickly after joining Arsenal from West Ham United’s academy.
He made 28 appearances for the Under-18s last season, alongside further involvement with Arsenal’s Under-19 and Under-21 sides.
Arsenal wanted to keep him, but the winger appears to have sought greater clarity over his position and development pathway.
Thompson featured across the front line in north London. However, his representatives view right wing as his strongest role.
His father, Karl Thompson, appeared to reference that issue on social media by saying the teenager would now be able to play in the position where he performs best.
Romano’s transfer update confirms that Newcastle have reached an agreement after Thompson selected them ahead of the other interested clubs.
The move represents a frustrating outcome for an academy which had accelerated Thompson through its age groups.
Arsenal are continuing to recruit young prospects, with Northern Ireland goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney set to join the academy.
However, Thompson’s departure shows the difficulty of retaining elite teenagers when Premier League rivals can offer a different route towards senior football.
A medical remains to be completed, but the winger has now made his decision and is expected to continue his development at Newcastle.
