Arsenal New Forward: Arsenal have agreed a deal for a 16-year-old Crystal Palace forward, Elijah Upson, after his schoolboy registration expired, according to The Athletic’s report supplied for this story. The move involves a minor training compensation payment rather than a conventional transfer fee, allowing the Gunners to secure a highly rated academy prospect.
The England Under-16 international mainly plays as a centre-forward, although he can operate from either flank. Palace promoted him into their Under-18 group during the 2025/26 campaign, despite his age, and he produced a striking return.
He scored six goals in 708 U18 Premier League minutes, while his second-half hat-trick helped Palace beat Reading 4-2 in March. Palace’s official match report confirms that he scored in the 14th, 81st and 89th minutes. England’s April squad list likewise included him among the U16 forwards.
Why Arsenal New Forward recruitment makes sense
Arsenal have increasingly targeted young talent before players reach professional-contract territory, and this deal follows Elijah Upson’s move from Tottenham. Bernard gives the academy another centre-forward option, while his ability to play wide adds useful flexibility.
There’s a sensible reason for the interest. Six goals in 708 minutes represents roughly one goal every 118 minutes at U18 level, and the Reading performance showed he can sustain his threat late in matches. Still, academy numbers need context. He has played against older opponents, yet senior football presents a completely different test.
Arsenal New Forward has a patient route ahead
For 2026/27, Bernard should focus on Arsenal’s U18 and U21 groups rather than chasing an immediate first-team breakthrough. At 16, that’s the sensible route. Mikel Arteta and academy staff can gradually expose him to higher-level training, particularly during international breaks, without loading him with senior expectations.
His acceleration, centre-forward instincts and ability to switch wings give Arsenal several developmental angles. The club can work on his final-third decisions, movement against organised defences and physical adaptation as he grows.
Read: Arsenal agree deal to complete signing of 16-year-old forward
Arteta’s record with academy graduates such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly shows that Hale End players can earn senior opportunities when their performances demand them. Bernard could eventually train at London Colney and, if his progress continues sharply, push for an EFL Cup opportunity. For now, though, the better call involves patience rather than hype. That distinction matters because recruitment rewards patience over hype. Arsenal have added a promising teenager, and the real test begins inside the academy.
