But on Saturday, Fabrizio Romano reported that the centre-back had penned a deal with the Gunners which will be officially announced in due course.
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As Upson is under 24, Tottenham will be due compensation from Arsenal, but this news, somewhat reminiscent of Sol Campbell’s infamous transfer across north London, will be a bitter blow.
Further reports say that Elijah made his decision after visiting Arsenal’s London Colney training ground and consulting with his family – including his father, former Gunners defender Matthew Upson.
Matthew, also a centre-back, spent six years with Arsenal, winning the Premier League title in 2002, before going onto play for the likes of Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and West Ham.
Matthew Upson won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2001/02 (Photo: Getty)
He also won 21 caps for England and was part of Fabio Capello’s 2010 World Cup squad, scoring in the infamous 4-1 defeat to Germany in South Africa.
It remains to be seen whether Elijah can break into Arsenal’s first-team, especially with Mikel Arteta looking to sign a new centre-back this summer.
With William Saliba is expected to miss the start of the new season and could undergo surgery after a long-term back injury worsened while playing at the World Cup in North America.
Arsenal are looking at Ezri Konsa amid fears of William Saliba’s injury (Photo: Getty)
It is said that Arteta is looking at Three Lions star Ezri Konsa but Aston Villa’s high valuation may prove a stumbling block.
