Man Utd now aiming to sign Igor Tyjon ahead of Arsenal in January

Manchester United are planning to beat Arsenal to the signing of Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon, according to The Sun.

The 17-year-old is currently on a scholarship contract with the Championship outfit, which expires at the end of June this year.

He has informed his desire to pursue a bigger challenge. Arsenal have been long-term admirers and first tried to sign him last summer.

They were willing to pay up to £2.2 million for his services, but Rovers snubbed the opportunity to sell.

The Gunners are now prepared to spend just £1m on Tyjon this winter, but they could face competition from Man United.

The Red Devils are looking to beat the north London outfit to the youngster, who can operate as a striker or from the number 10 position.

United eyeing another striker for the academy

The Red Devils have quality strikers in Gabriele Biancheri and Chido Obi in the development squad. The latter joined from Arsenal after snubbing a professional contract in late 2024.

Obi made his debut during the back end of the previous season but has been out of the picture this term. Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee are all ahead of him in the pecking order.

If United were to prise Tyjon away from Rovers ahead of Arsenal, there is a possibility that one of Biancheri or Obi, more likely the former, could be loaned out in the near future.

Tyjon has managed just 69 minutes for the senior squad at Rovers. He has yet to feature in the ongoing season and was an unused substitute during the 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic.

Still, he has shown promise at the Premier League 2 level. He has notched up nine goals and one assist from 10 appearances in his career. Three of those contributions have come as a number 10.

His potential and ability to play in multiple roles could be behind United’s surprise interest. Tyjon could choose the Red Devils over Arsenal, as he could be tempted to continue his career in the North West.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .