Elijah Upson has completed a move from Tottenham to Arsenal, crossing the north London divide in a transfer that echoes Sol Campbell’s controversial switch two decades ago.
Because Upson is under 24, Tottenham are entitled to compensation from Arsenal for the young defender’s departure.
Upson’s decision followed a visit to Arsenal’s London Colney training ground and discussions with his family, including his father, former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson.
Matthew Upson, a centre-back, spent six years at Arsenal and won the Premier League title in the 2001/02 season before later playing for Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and West Ham.
He earned 21 caps for England and was selected for the 2010 World Cup squad, scoring in the 4-1 defeat to Germany.
Elijah Upson now faces a difficult path into Arsenal’s first team, particularly as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to add a centre-back this summer.
William Saliba is expected to miss the start of the new season and may require surgery after a back injury worsened during the World Cup in North America.
Arteta has been linked with England international Ezri Konsa, though Aston Villa’s valuation could be a significant obstacle.
The club have also been connected with former defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and Chelsea target Maxence Lacroix.
