Sources: Kyran Thompson edges closer to Arsenal exit as contract talks stall
Kyran Thompson has yet to reach an agreement over a new contract at Arsenal and is edging closer to an exit, sources have told Football Insider.
Thompson's current deal is set to expire on 30 June, and while discussions are ongoing between both parties, they have yet to reach an agreement at this late stage.
A mumber of clubs are believed to be monitoring the 16-year-old's situation and are waiting on the player's decision as uncertainty over his future continues.
An England Under-17 interntational, Thompson has impressed through the ranks at Arsenal and the club are keen to extend his stay beyond the end of the month.
However, the winger is keen to assess his options and has delayed talks over a new deal, with the club struggling to reach an agreement.
Arsenal remain keen to hand Thompson a new deal given how highly-rated he is at the Emirates, but offers from other clubs could tempt him to move on.
Could Kyran Thompson leave Arsenal this summer?
Arsenal are extremely reluctant to lose Thompson this month and hope that they can reach an agreement in ongoing talks despite the delays.
The winger is extremely highly rated at the Emirates, having been playing up the age groups with the Under-18s since for over a year now.
This season, he made 32 appearances for the Gunners' Under-18s in the U18 Premier League, UEFA Youth League and FA Youth club, where he scored four goals and provided three assists.
He was also handed his opportunity at Under-21 level as he started during a 1-1 draw against Southampton Under-21s in the Premier League 2.
However, the winger is keen to assess all of his opportunities, and there is a growing feeling he could now be tempted away from Arsenal in pursuit of a fresh start.
Thompson has also been recognised by his country and is a regular for England's Under-17s side, and his potential availability has sparked interest from rival clubs.
What is Arsenal's plan for their academy stars?
Arsenal have long placed an emphasis on developing talents through their academy, with Bukayo Saka the most notable of those to break into the first-team recently.
The likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Emile Smith Rowe have also broken into the side in previous years under Mikel Arteta.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal have placed an emphasis on academy development and could save a fortune
The pathway for young players into the senior side has been opened by Arteta, and there is optimsim at the Emirates that Thompson could be the next to come through.
However, the 16-year-old will assess whether or not breaking into Arteta's side is a viable target or whether he would be better served moving elsewhere.