'Huge opportunity' - Newcastle United complete signing of young Arsenal forward
Newcastle United transfers: A new arrival at Newcastle has been confirmed at academy level.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of 16-year-old winger Kyran Thompson from Arsenal.
Thompson was subject to interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but has now committed his future to Newcastle.
Last month, Thompson fuelled transfer speculation when he took to Instagram to post an image of himself walking into Newcastle International Airport.
Thompson is an England under-17s international and scored three goals in 26 appearances for Arsenal in the Under-18s Premier League last season. Arguably, his moment of the season came in the UEFA Youth League as he grabbed a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over Bayern Munich.
The Magpies previously tried to sign Thompson back in 2024, but the winger ended up joining Arsenal instead after leaving West Ham United’s academy set-up. Two years later and United have finally lured the player to Tyneside.
Thompson can’t sign a professional contract until he turns 17 in early September but can represent Newcastle before that as a scholar.
Thompson will join up with Chris Moore’s Newcastle Under-18s side for the 2026/27 season and has now taken to social media to confirm his arrival.
Alongside an Instagram video reel showing himself signing for the club and posing with a Newcastle United shirt, Thompson wrote: “Grateful to sign for @nufc, ready to get to work.”
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Thompson’s agency, Truth Sports also commented on the deal with a short social media statement.
It read: “Massive congratulations to @kyran_thompson on a successful move from Arsenal to Newcastle United. A new chapter, a new challenge, and a huge opportunity ahead.
“Wishing you nothing but success in the Toon. Proud of the journey so far — now it’s time to shine even brighter.”
The youth transfer comes as Newcastle and Arsenal are locked in talks regarding the transfer of Bruno Guimaraes. The Magpies’ captain has arrived at La Manga for pre-season training after the club rejected a bid from Arsenal, who are expected to return with a fresh offer this week.