As the January transfer window nears its midway point, Arsenal find themselves in a familiar yet enviable position: sitting top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group. Despite a goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday, Mikel Arteta's side remain six points clear of Manchester City domestically.
The week's major news from the red half of North London was the securing of a new five-year contract for star forward Bukayo Saka. The club is now reportedly focused on extending the deals of four more key players. However, Arteta has also signalled that Arsenal are ready to act in the market if the right opportunity arises, setting the stage for a potentially busy end to the month.
Manchester United Threaten Blackburn Rovers Hijack
One such opportunity appears to be Blackburn Rovers' highly-rated 17-year-old forward, Igor Tyjon. The Gunners have reportedly made several offers, believed to be around £1 million, for the England youth international, all of which have been rejected by the Championship club.
Tyjon, who made his U21s debut at just 15 and has been a regular in senior matchday squads, has refused to sign a professional contract with Blackburn. This has led the club to reluctantly accept that his future lies elsewhere. However, Arsenal's pursuit has now been complicated by the emergence of a direct rival.
According to reports, Manchester United have entered the race to sign the talented teenager. There is a genuine risk of a transfer hijack, with United having previously poached former Arsenal academy prospect Chido Obi in 2024. The competition from Old Trafford could force Arsenal to increase their offer or risk losing another promising young talent to a Premier League rival.
Arsenal Playing the Long Game for Guehi as City Push Now
In another developing saga, Arsenal are also being linked with a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The defender, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer, is a player admired by Mikel Arteta. However, the Gunners face stiff competition from the reigning champions.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City believe they can strike a deal with Palace this January. With Guehi unwilling to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park, City are keen to secure his signature now for a fee, rather than wait and battle for him on a free transfer in the summer. Their current defensive injury crisis has added urgency to their pursuit.
In contrast, Arsenal's approach has been more patient. The club are said to have been "calling over" a potential deal for the summer. While Arteta is a known admirer of the England international, a major question hangs over how Guehi would fit into Arsenal's already formidable defensive unit, which has been brilliantly marshalled this season by William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Strategic Patience vs. Immediate Need
These two transfer stories highlight the different strategic approaches at play. In the case of Tyjon, Arsenal are looking to invest in future potential, but face a disruptive battle with a direct competitor. For Guehi, they are considering a move for an established, top-tier defender, but may be outmanoeuvred by a rival willing to pay a premium for an immediate solution.
With the window still open, Arsenal's resolve and transfer strategy will be tested. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club's patient, long-term planning will pay off, or if the aggressive moves of Manchester United and Manchester City will force a change in tactic.
