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Arsenal youth striker target extends contract with Blackburn Rovers

The future of Arsenal-linked Igor Tyjon has taken another twist, with Blackburn Rovers confirming that he’s extended his scholarship contract for another year.

Igor Tyjon playing for Blackburn Rovers (Photo via Rovers.co.uk)
Photo via Rovers.co.uk

After multiple Arsenal bids to sign Blackburn Rovers youth striker Igor Tyjon over the last couple of transfer windows, the expectation was that the player would move on this summer, with his scholarship contract coming to an end and no progress in talks over a professional deal.

Yet rather than signing a pro deal or ending his association with Rovers, Tyjon has now extended his stay as a scholar.

Rovers report on their club website that Tyjon is one of three players to have their scholarship agreements extended into a third year.

Igor Tyjon playing for Blackburn Rovers (Photo via Tyjon on Instagram)
Photo via Tyjon on Instagram

Arsenal could still make another attempt to sign Tyjon this summer, but they’d need Rovers to be more open to negotiations than they have been in the past.

Ryan Taylor had previously reported that Arsenal did plan to revisit Tyjon’s signing in the summer, though he added that a number of other clubs would also be in the mix.

Serie A side Atalanta, a number of Polish top-flight clubs, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are all reportedly interested, and Tyjon’s contract extension with Rovers means he’s not guaranteed to move at all.

Igor Tyjon playing for the England youth teams (Photo via Tyjon on Instagram)
Photo via Tyjon on Instagram

Tyjon scored seven goals and assisted two in 21 appearances for the Blackburn Rovers youth teams in 2025/26, with his minutes inconsistent and limited as an apparent result of his refusal to sign professional terms with the club.

The 18-year-old also made an appearance for Rovers’ senior side in the League Cup in the season just finished, and he made the bench for an FA Cup match against Hull City, as well as three Championship games.

Igor Tyjon playing for Blackburn Rovers (Photo via Blackburn Rovers on Twitter)
Photo via Blackburn Rovers on Twitter
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