Arsenal have second bid rejected for wonderkid striker

Arsenal have a second bid rejected for a young striker as they continue their pursuit of reinforcement for their youth setup.

Arsenal have had their second bid rejected for Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon as the north London club continue their pursuit of the 17-year-old talent, according to The Athletic. The Gunners are determined to secure a young striker to complement Andre Harriman-Annous at under-21 level.

Tyjon has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in the Championship after joining Blackburn Rovers from Rochdale in 2023. The teenager has impressed at youth level, scoring six goals in just ten Premier League 2 appearances for the club, whilst also making two first-team appearances in the Championship.

The England under-17 international has attracted significant attention from top-flight clubs with his impressive development. Tyjon has earned eight caps for England at youth level, contributing two goals and one assist for the Three Lions. His versatility as a central striker who can also operate on the wings has made him an attractive proposition for Arsenal’s academy setup.

Blackburn Rovers have consistently rejected Arsenal’s approaches, with their first bid reportedly worth around £1million plus add-ons. The Lancashire club are determined to retain their prized asset and have made significant efforts to convince Tyjon to commit his future to Ewood Park.

Manager Valerien Ismael has integrated Tyjon into Blackburn’s first-team squad for pre-season, offering him a clear pathway to senior football. The striker scored in a 5-1 victory over Qatar SC at the end of last month.

Arsenal’s interest in Tyjon reflects academy manager Per Mertesacker’s broader strategy of strengthening their academy ranks with top-quality prospects. The Gunners recently missed out on young Salford striker Will Wright, who chose Liverpool over Arsenal due to his desire to remain in north England. Wright’s rejection has intensified Arsenal’s focus on securing Tyjon as an alternative option.

Harriman-Annous has established himself as one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects, scoring 17 goals and providing three assists across all competitions last season. The 17-year-old recently made his senior debut in Arsenal’s pre-season tour, marking a significant milestone in his development at Hale End Academy.

With the transfer window remaining open until September 1st, Arsenal may yet return with an improved offer for Tyjon as they look to bolster their youth ranks ahead of the new campaign.