Tottenham set to beat Newcastle in the race for Arsenal starlet Kyran Thompson | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are set to pull off a sensational academy coup by signing highly rated teenager Kyran Thompson from under the noses of North London rivals Arsenal and fellow suitors Newcastle United.

Spurs have acted decisively to capitalise on the 17-year-old’s unresolved contract situation at the Emirates Stadium, putting an attractive youth agreement in place to tempt the forward across the capital divide.

The battle for the England starlet has intensified as the expiration of his current scholarship terms on June 30 approaches.

While Newcastle United had tracked Thompson with the intent of luring him to St James’ Park, Tottenham’s recruitment team successfully outmanoeuvred competition from the Magpies.

Thompson is widely regarded as one of the standout attacking talents in his age group, showcasing impressive tactical flexibility last season by operating as a centre-forward, right winger, and left-sided attacker.

His pace, trickery and composure in front of goal saw him fast-tracked into Arsenal’s Under-18 squad, where he delivered a string of impressive performances and earned a senior debut for the Under-21 side in Premier League 2.

For Arsenal, losing a ‘big talent’ to their fiercest local rivals undoubtedly represents a bitter blow. The Gunners have spent recent weeks in contract talks to tie Thompson down to a lucrative new deal, knowing that several clubs were lurking.

However, with no breakthrough achieved and the player open to a new developmental project, Tottenham look set to repeat the painful youth exits that have seen top prospects leave the Emirates before making their senior breakthrough.