Arsenal have reportedly secured the signing of 15-year-old Kyran Thompson, a promising midfielder hailed as the ‘next Jude Bellingham’, after offering him a lucrative scholarship at a private school in Enfield.
According to the Daily Mail, Thompson drew significant attention following impressive performances in the West Ham academy, attracting interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Arsenal’s partnership with St John’s Senior School proved decisive in winning the race.
The Gunners will cover the £17,500 annual boarding fees at St John’s, a factor believed to appeal to parents of young football prospects. Known for its dedication to developing football talent, the school provides an ideal balance of academic and athletic training.
Students devote three afternoons per week to honing their skills on the pitch, while still maintaining their educational commitments.
This combination has already yielded results. In the latest GCSE outcomes, 70% of students achieved top grades, with their footballing achievements also on the rise.
Ethan Nwaneri, an alumnus of St John’s, recently showcased his potential with a stunning goal for Arsenal’s youth side at Preston North End, demonstrating the benefits of the school’s Full-Time Training Module (FTTM) programme.
To secure Thompson’s transfer from West Ham, Arsenal also paid a reported £1.1 million, a fee that could prove a bargain if he reaches Bellingham-like levels.
The FTTM programme, meanwhile, is not unique to Arsenal; clubs like Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Brighton and Hove Albion have introduced similar initiatives as they look to identify and nurture the next generation of football stars.
With Thompson now on board, Arsenal hope their investment in both education and development will lead to future success, adding yet another talented young prospect to their ranks.