Arsenal Rocked as Man Utd Hijack January Transfer after Higher Bid Submitted

Arsenal have been rocked in their pursuit of Blackburn teenage striker Igor Tyjon with Manchester United ready to outbid the Gunners for the 17-year-old.

Tyjon is considered one of the brightest young attacking talents in England’s second tier and his decision to turn down a professional contract at Ewood Park has alerted a number of Premier League sides.

Rovers are keen to retain Tyjon’s services but reluctantly accept he leaves Lancashire in 2026.

Tyjon ‘could leave’ in January, says Rovers boss

“We were in discussions with him to extend his contract. He has decided not to extend his contract,” Rovers boss Valérien Ismael confirmed last month.

“So for us it is clear that from January 1 he could leave the club. That’s why we are now focusing on the players who are for us, for the future.”

Arsenal have long been considered favorites to sign Tyjon, but they now face competition from United for the teenage championship.

Igor Tyjon is wanted by Arsenal and Man Utd (Image: Getty)

The Red Devils have plucked Chido Obi from Arsenal in 2024 and booked the Blackburn striker as a new signing.

January is Blackburn’s last chance to earn a transfer fee for Tyjon, although they will be owed compensation if he leaves for an English side this summer.

United are now reportedly preparing a £1.7million bid for Tyjon as they look to lure the budding star from Rovers to Old Trafford.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have seen a number of offers of around £1m rejected by Rovers in their own pursuit of Tyjon.

Man Utd and Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday

Managerless United are in action in the FA Cup on Sunday as they prepare to face Brighton in a Premier League third round tie.

Darren Fletcher takes caretaker charge of the Seagulls encounter, and he will be hoping to follow up Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley with a win and progression to the fourth round of the competition.

Fletcher is in contention to remain in United’s hot seat for the remainder of the season after the Premier League side sacked Ruben Amorim last week.

Michael Carrick and former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are also in the running for the job after the pair met with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox on Thursday and Saturday respectively.

Arsenal are also hoping to book their place in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday when they take on Championship side Portsmouth at Fratton Park.