Man United could complete a transfer hijack over Arsenal this January.placeholder image
Man United could complete a transfer hijack over Arsenal this January. | Getty Images
Man United and Arsenal are set to lock horns over a transfer target this January
Manchester United find themselves in a period of change once again as Darren Fletcher takes interim charge of the Red Devils following the recent sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Following last season’s 15th-placed finish, United have returned towards the upper echelons of the Premier League and currently sit seventh despite a poor run of results including draws with all of Wolves, Leeds and Burnley. The Red Devils are in FA Cup action in an all-top flight encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Man United eye up hijack of Arsenal move for wonderkid Igor Tyjon
According to reports by The Sun, Man United are hoping to complete the signing of Blackburn Rovers ‘wonderkid’ Igor Tyjon in what would be a major Arsenal hijack for the 17-year-old striker.
United have ‘joined the race’ for the frontman, who has reportedly turned down a professional contract at Ewood Park after multiple Premier League clubs came calling. He has just six months left on his deal and a move this January is possible, so that Rovers can command a transfer fee having rejected multiple bids by the Gunners worth ‘more than £1 million’ since the summer of 2024.
Tyjon made his professional debut for Blackburn aged 16 in September 2024 but has only featured once this season as uncertainty surrounding his future has developed.
Rovers boss Valerian Ismael recently told the Lancashire Telegraph: "We were in discussion with him to extend his contract. He decided not to extend his contract. So for us, it's clear that from 1st of January, he might leave the club. So that's why we are focused now on the players who are for us, for the future.”
January hijack could see United strike-force set for years to come
United should look to take the opportunity to sign Tyjon this January and complete a major hijack over Arsenal to secure the future of the England Under-18 international, who also qualifies to play for Poland through his parents and previously represented them at Under-16 level.
The 17-year-old is seen to have a bright future in the game and would join Chido Obi as a second highly-rated teenage striker at Old Trafford stolen away from the jaws of the Gunners. Obi plays for United’s Under-21 side in the Premier League 2 at present and Tyjon would likely also be viewed as one for the future, though a pathway through to the first team could be possible in the near future if attacking injuries occur.
Despite claims by Ismael earlier in the season that Tyjon is “not yet ready” for the Rovers first team, the fact that fans were reportedly clamouring for the 17-year-old to be given a chance in the Championship reflects the level of talent that United could be about to sign.
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