Newcastle wonderkid explains decision to leave Arsenal after scoring on debut
Kyran Thompson (right) left Arsenal for Newcastle in the summer
Kyran Thompson has opened up on his ambitions at Newcastle after making a big early impression in the North East following his summer transfer from Arsenal.
The 17-year-old winger was wanted by a host of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, however, he decided to join the Magpies having originally signed for the Gunners from West Ham in 2024.
Earlier this week, he was on target for Newcastle U21s (U21 debut) in the EFL Trophy as they won 3-1 at League Two side York City.
Now Thompson plans to use the display as a platform to kick on as he outlined his desire to earn first-team opportunities.
He explained: "I want to keep smashing it with the Under-21s and keep starting, getting goals and assists. "I want to try and break into the first team.
"Newcastle is a great project with playing young players. Once I get my opportunity, it's about taking it with both hands and showing everyone what I can do."
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Much has been made of Thompson's decision to part company with Arsenal as he remains a highly-rated talent.
But with the Premier League champions currently stacked with wide options, it was clear Thompson's chances of breaking into the first-team in north London would be tough.
The Gunners already have the likes of Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis and Eberechi Eze on their books while youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman are also eager to impress.
Dowman netted twice on Tuesday evening as Arsenal won 4-2 in the Carabao Cup third round at Ipswich Town.
Kyran Thompson was on target for Newcastle U21s in midweek at York City
Thompson also shared his delight that he was able to get on the scoresheet and provide an assist for Newcastle U21s in midweek.
He has already found the target in the U18 Premier League against Leicester City in his new colours. He said: "It's good to hit the ground running. After I scored, everything went into place and, of course, I'm delighted to get the win.
"I think I could've scored another one, but, overall, it was a good performance. I'm happy for Afner [Ca] to get his first goal as well.”
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