Arsenal wonderkid, 16, posts five-word message as he bids Emirates Stadium farewell to join Newcastle

TEENAGE talent Kyran Thompson has broken his silence after snubbing a new deal at Arsenal to join Newcastle. The Gunners were desperate to convince the winger, 16, to pen scholarship terms when arch-rivals Tottenham were pushing to lure him away. Kyran Thompson has joined Newcastle Credit: Getty The teenager thanked Arsenal in a brief social media statement Credit: Getty But Newcastle have won the race for Thompson’s signature despite boss Eddie Howe’s resignation leaving the Magpies in limbo. And the highly-rated youngster headed onto social media to post a five-word statement as he bids farewell to the Emirates Stadium. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! In an Instagram post, alongside an image which said goodbye, Thompson wrote: “Thank you for everything, Arsenal.” The up-and-coming gem trained with the Gunners’ senior squad, after catching the eye of chief Mikel Arteta. He also featured regularly for Arsenal’s Under-18s before his agreement expired at the end of last month. Thompson, who was plucked from West Ham two years ago, was even rewarded with his Under-21s debut in a draw with Southampton last November. But now the wonderkid will be looking to make an instant impact in Newcastle’s youth ranks. Matthias Jaissle, who is poised to replace Howe in the Tyneside giants’ dugout, is on course to run the rule over Thompson. Most read in Sport Arsenal wanted Thompson to pen scholarship terms Credit: Getty Arsenal are hoping Magpies skipper Bruno Guimaraes is set to head in the opposite direction. The Brazilian, 28, is ready to request a move to North London after jetting into Newcastle’s pre-season training camp. And Arsenal are lining up a £75million-plus bid for Guimaraes, who was pinpointed as a top transfer target by Arteta. Newcastle appear to be preparing for his exit after reportedly removing banners around St James’ Park showing him posing in the club’s new kit. Bruno Guimaraes could head in the opposite direction Credit: PA The Brazilian is pushing for a move to Arsenal Credit: Getty Guimaraes made 41 appearances in all competitions last season, notching nine goals and eight assists along the way. The midfielder then played a key role in Brazil’s World Cup campaign before they crashed out against Norway in the last-16. Comment now