Arsenal are close to announcing the signing of Igor Tyjon after the 18-year-old striker sent a farewell message to Blackburn Rovers. The Gunners have targeted the forward for much of this year, and a breakthrough was achieved last week with an initial £1million fee agreed, plus a further £2million potentially available in add-ons.
Farewell message and transfer progress
Tyjon all but confirmed his departure in a now-deleted Instagram post on Tuesday. He wrote: "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."
He added: "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." The latter part of his statement suggests criticism towards individuals at the club following several approaches from Arsenal being rejected.
Youth record and future role
Tyjon has made his senior bow for Blackburn but has chosen not to sign professional terms at Ewood Park. He has clocked up 69 first-team minutes across three appearances, with the bulk of his action coming in Premier League 2, where he has notched 10 goals and contributed two assists from 20 outings.
He has yet to feature in any capacity this season as his transfer to Arsenal edges closer, and his social media farewell strongly suggests the deal is nearly done, having reportedly undergone a medical last week. Tyjon is anticipated to begin in Arsenal's under-21s but may appear for the senior squad in some capacity later this season.
Academy recruitment drive
His forthcoming arrival provides additional evidence that Arsenal are once more concentrating on strengthening their youth academy after some prospects chose to depart elsewhere due to concerns that 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 players to London Colney, Arsenal have agreed to recruit 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.
