Arsenal are closing in on the signing of a talented 18-year-old forward.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are expected to announce a new signing very soon
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are expected to announce a new signing very soon (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are poised to announce the bargain signing of striker Igor Tyjon from Blackburn after the forward posted, and then deleted, a farewell message to the Championship club. The 18-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates, which has caused sour scenes at Blackburn, and he appears ready to put pen to paper on a deal in north London.
Mikel Arteta is set to welcome Tyjon to the fold, albeit likely as a signing for the academy, with Arsenal set to pay an initial £1million and a further £2m in potential add-ons. Tyjon has already made his senior debut for Blackburn but refused to sign professional terms, causing Arsenal to pounce on the protracted negotiations.
Tyjon is yet to feature in any capacity this season as his switch to Arsenal reaches its conclusion, and his farewell post on social media suggests the deal is on the brink of completion following a medical last week.
In an Instagram post, which was subsequently deleted on Tuesday, he said: "I would like to thank (Blackburn) Rovers for the last 3 years. Thank you to all my teammates and staff throughout the years. I've made friendships for life and memories I won't forget. Lots of ups and downs and learning on the way.
"The last couple of months have been tough due to certain people and reasons I can't say but I will never forget the good times at this club [blue heart emoji]."
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The latter portion of his statement suggests disapproval towards individuals at the club after several of Arsenal's bids were rejected. Tyjon is expected to begin in Arsenal's under-21s but may appear for the senior squad in some capacity later this campaign.
Igor Tyjon is set to join Arsenal after saying his goodbye to Blackburn Rovers
Igor Tyjon is set to join Arsenal after saying his goodbye to Blackburn Rovers (Image: Getty Images)
His forthcoming arrival provides further evidence that Arsenal are again prioritising the enhancement of their youth academy following some talents choosing to depart elsewhere, owing to believing their route into the first-team was obstructed.
Manchester United succeeded in luring both Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi with both players receiving some first-team chances. The former has actually been a regular under Michael Carrick.
In their efforts to attract the finest young talents to London Colney, Arsenal have agreed to sign James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye from Old Trafford.
Arsenal are acquiring the pair on free transfers, but substantial sell-on clauses are anticipated to be included, with Ogunneye having already completed a medical.