Arsenal need a new forwardArsenal need a new forward
Arsenal need a new forward | Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal as the early window swings open.
Arsenal are now able to buy players thanks to the special early 10-day summer transfer window. The Gunners get an early run at the window thanks to the FIFA Club World Cup, even though they are not actually involved.
Pedro links
Arsenal are said to be interested in a move for Brighton attacker Joao Pedro this summer. According to The Sun, Pedro has an asking price of £70million, with the Seagulls willing to sell at the right price.
The 23-year-old forward scored 10 goals in 27 league games for Brighton this season, and he has earned three Brazil caps along the way. Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko and others, and the Pedro situation is likely to be an either or, with the fee likely making it difficult for Arsenal to get both.
Tyjon interest
Arsenal are also said to be interested in a much cheaper deal to sign a player they see as a future talent. According to Sun journalist Alan Nixon, the Gunners are said to be willing to offer Blackburn Rovers a seven-figure sum to land Igor Tyjon.
Tyjon has made just two senior appearances for Rovers so far, but he is only 17 years of age. He is an England youth international, though the youngster has also represented Poland at youth level. Tyjon has made seven league appearances for Blackburn’s under-23s in the Premier League 2, scoring four times at that level despite playing well above his age group, which should be under-18s. Arsenal appear to have been watching carefully.
Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael said of playing Tyjon in the first team: “We have assessed a couple of players who have the skill, quality and the profile we expect. Kristi was the first one and now we have the second one in Igor. This is the pathway we want for the Academy boys and if we have that feeling that they’re ready and we’ll need them, they’ll get the chance.
“It’s another sign for everyone and it doesn’t mean you’re weak at all; it’s instead a sign that you are strong with those kids. It gives us good momentum for the club and the identity we want to carry on with, because it’s always been the Rovers way with the Academy and something that the Owners invest a lot in. It’s my job now to make sure we continue on that path.”
Delap miss
Adebayo Akinfenwa believes Arsenal will have missed out on a key opportunity when Liam Delap completes his move to Chelsea. The former striker told talkSPORT on The Sports Bar: “I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t snap him up… £30m is chump change in today’s market, so when you’ve got somebody who… they’re talking about being a Harry Kane replacement for England, about a proper No.9, I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t buy.
“As soon as Ipswich got relegated, they should have been in there. I think it’s a no-brainer. I think he’s going to do well. I really do. He’s got that old-school element where you know you’re in for a game when you’re up against Delap. So I think he’s going to do well. I think he’s got that Diego Costa sort of vibe about him.”
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