Rival clubs circle as Arsenal push to extend top talent’s deal

Arsenal are in talks to sign Kyran Thompson to a new contract, according to a report, but they’re yet to reach an agreement.

Fabrizio Romano reports that talks between Arsenal and Kyran Thompson’s camp over a new contract remain ongoing, with no agreement yet between the two parties.

The situation is quickly approaching a pivotal moment, as Thompson’s current deal reportedly expires on June 30th.

Arsenal remain keen to sign Thompson up to a new contract, but several clubs are now monitoring the situation and awaiting the player’s decision.

Arsenal made a big effort to sign Thompson in the first place, fighting off competition from Manchester City, Spurs, and Chelsea to sign him for a fee of £1.1m from West Ham United in 2024.

The Gunners strengthened their case by also offering Thompson a full scholarship at St. John’s Senior School.

Since then, Arsenal have fast-tracked Thompson through the ranks, giving the 16-year-old 28 appearances in the u18s this season, as well as three appearances in the u19s and one for the u21s.

Arsenal will hope that they’ve shown their commitment to Thompson’s development by making such an effort to bring him in and offering him opportunities way above his age group throughout 2025/26.

But perhaps there’s some uncertainty among Arsenal’s top talents in the academy at the moment, with a number of changes at the top, including the departure of academy manager Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal are still hunting for a replacement for Mertesacker, which obviously complicates negotiations with the club’s young players at the moment. It’s up to the club to prove they have a solid plan in place for the likes of Thompson for the coming years.

• Liverpool reach verbal agreement with PSG winger as Arsenal focus on Vinicius
  Arsenal still have an interest in Bradley Barcola, but they’re prioritising Vinicius Junior, allowing Liverpool to take the lead in the race for the Paris Saint-Germain winger.
• Arsenal transfer pursuit complicated by Real Madrid clauses
  Arsenal have followed Como defender Jacobo Ramon’s progress closely, but Real Madrid could disrupt any attempt to sign the centre-back.
• Arsenal defensive target now set to join Inter Milan
  Arsenal are set to miss out on one of their shortlisted defensive transfer additions, with John Stones edging towards a free transfer to Inter Milan.
• The FA confirm 3 new anti-timewasting rules
  The FA have confirmed that the International Football Association Board have approved a new goalkeeper injury trial for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
• Former Arsenal fan favourite training with Crystal Palace ahead of possible move
  Takehiro Tomiyasu’s move to Venezia is still on, but the Serie A club need to make squad space before they can formally register the former Arsenal defender.