Latest Arsenal transfer news as Blackburn Rovers wonderkid Igor Tyjon reportedly remains part of Andrea Berta's grand plan
12:35, 08 Jan 2026
Igor Tyjon of England inspects the pitch
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Igor Tyjon is once again linked with Arsenal(Image: Simon Holmes/The FA via Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly still keen on raiding Blackburn Rovers for young star Igor Tyjon, as sporting director Andrea Berta continues his drive to recruit major talent for the club's academy.
Whilst Mikel Arteta's senior team have stolen much of the attention on Arsenal as they have pushed for the highest honours over recent seasons, in the background their academy has been working hard to produce the next generation of north London stars.
The first team have been supplemented greatly by this, and in some cases the likes of Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have progressed to take up permanent places in the Gunners' squad.
The club have made several transfers to not only directly bolster Arteta's options in that time, but also add to the youth ranks with the aim of bringing through a strong next generation.
With several youth stars already signed or with deals agreed for future, the next Berta has his sights on is reportedly Tyjon of Blackburn. Here, football.london profiles the rising talent in line with the latest Arsenal transfer rumour.
Who is Igor Tyjon?
Tyjon was born on 20 March, 2008, in Southport, north west England. Both of his parents hail from Poland.
His youth career began with Rochdale before securing a move to Blackburn Rovers at the age of 15, where he quickly advanced beyond his age group to make his Under-21s debut and earn training opportunities with the senior squad. This resulted in a professional debut as a substitute during a Championship win over Bristol City in September 2024.
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He is still classed as a scholar at Ewood Park, having reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign a professional contract.
The teenager has represented both England and Poland at youth level, most recently appearing for the Three Lions' Under-18s.
What position does Igor Tyjon play?
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as a forward, preferring to play centrally, through Tyjon also has the capability to operate as a left-winger.
Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyjon plays during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, England, on April 21, 2025
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Tyjon has been linked with Arsenal(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
What is Igor Tyjon's record for club and country?
Tyjon has primarily featured for Blackburn's Under-21s, with whom he has scored nine goals and assisted once in 22 appearances. He has already played for the senior side three times across the Championship and Carabao Cup, totalling 69 minutes of play, with no goals or assists returned.
On the international stage, the teenager has played for both England and Poland at youth level. Most recently he has featured for England's U18s, scoring three goals in five appearances.
What is the latest on Igor Tyjon's transfer?
The Sun report Tyjon remains on the Gunners' radar as sporting director Andrea Berta continues his drive to recruit the brightest young talents in world football.
Last summer, the club failed in their bid to convince Blackburn, with 'multiple' bids worth in excess of £1million said to have been rejected.
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But due to the player's reported resistance to signing a professional contract, the Lancashire club are now resigned to losing their rising star and this current transfer window is their final opportunity to command a fee.
Tyjon's scholarship terms elapse at the end of the season, after which if he joined Arsenal, they would have to pay a compensation fee. This can either be agreed by the clubs involved or taken to tribunal should they fail to settle a deal.