Tottenham optimistic of pipping Arsenal to the acquisition of Isaac Allen | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are growing increasingly confident of beating North London rivals Arsenal to the signature of West Ham United academy prodigy Isaac Allen.

Spurs have moved swiftly to hijack a deal for the 15-year-old defensive midfielder, aiming to deliver a significant developmental blow to their neighbours.

This escalation marks a dramatic twist in the race for one of English football’s most coveted teenage prospects. Arsenal had spent weeks actively pursuing Allen, identifying the highly rated youngster as a priority for their Hale End academy.

Gunners recruitment staff held extensive talks with the player’s camp, looking to secure his services as part of Mikel Arteta’s plan to integrate top domestic youth into the club’s long-term pathway.

However, Tottenham’s recruitment team has launched an aggressive counter-move in recent days. Spurs are reportedly very optimistic about reaching an agreement to bring Allen to Hotspur Way, having presented a clear pathway to senior football.

With Tynan Thompson recently leaving Spurs for Manchester United in an £8 million deal, Tottenham are eager to replenish their academy ranks with elite domestic talent.

Losing Allen represents a painful double blow in the capital. For West Ham, the departure of their youth starlet is a bitter pill to swallow.

The Hammers had hoped to tie down the England Under-15 captain to long-term scholarship terms at Chadwell Heath, but with the player seeking a fresh challenge, the East London club are now focused on securing maximum training compensation.

Allen’s stock has risen sharply over the past year, thanks to his tactical discipline, composure, and natural leadership qualities.

Having captained England’s U15 squad, he is widely regarded by top-flight scouts as a generational anchor in the making.