Newcastle United continues to skew younger after agreeing a deal to sign an England Under-17 winger.
On July 12, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Newcastle has agreed to terms with former Arsenal standout Kyran Thompson, reporting that the 16-year-old has chosen the Magpies despite receiving multiple offers following the expiration of his contract with the Gunners.
“EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle agree deal to sign England U17 winger Kyran Thompson from Arsenal Academy, here we go!” Romano posted on X. “Thompson
has agreed to join #NUFC among five proposals, leaving Arsenal as free agent. Deal in place and new talent for Newcastle.”
The move represents another investment in Newcastle’s long-term strategy of recruiting some of Europe’s top young prospects, but it doesn’t seem to move the needle in the slightest for the upcoming season at the very least.
This summer, the Magpies have added Ajax midfielder Sean Steur, Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, and Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, while also pursuing several other highly rated teenagers across Europe, but not many established players that can move the club forward asap after last year’s awful setback.
All that said, Thompson arrives with potential and boasts an impressive pedigree despite his young age.
The versatile attacker began his academy career at West Ham United before Arsenal paid a reported £1.1 million to sign him at Under-15 level. During his time at Hale End, he progressed rapidly through the ranks, featuring in the FA Youth Cup, making an Under-21 appearance, and even training with Mikel Arteta’s first team.
According to Transfermarkt, Thompson made 33 appearances across Arsenal’s youth sides, scoring four goals and adding three assists. He also established himself as an England Under-17 international, appearing in four games and scoring one goal within the past eight months.
Reports earlier this summer indicated Newcastle faced competition from Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham for Thompson’s signature. The Magpies had also attempted to sign him before his move to Arsenal two years ago.
This signing also comes amid the ongoing transfer saga involving captain Bruno Guimaraes and his likely sale to Arsenal.
According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, in the latest update, Bruno’s representatives have already held discussions with Arsenal and communicated a verbal proposal to Newcastle, but the Magpies keep rejecting any and every approach for the Brazil international.
