Arsenal remain interested in signing Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon as their long-running pursuit of the highly-rated teenager continues.
The Gunners have tracked the 18-year-old for more than a year and are still attempting to find a breakthrough after Blackburn rejected several approaches for him.
Tyjon has declined the offer of a professional contract at Ewood Park, but Blackburn responded by extending his scholarship into a third year rather than sanctioning his departure.
That has created a standoff between the Championship club and Arsenal, who remain keen to add the England youth international to their increasingly strengthened academy ranks, according to The Athletic.
The Sun reported earlier in the summer that Arsenal had already seen multiple bids rejected, including proposals worth more than £1 million, with Blackburn determined to receive a considerably higher sum for one of their leading prospects.
The situation has nevertheless shifted in Arsenal’s favour because Tyjon’s reluctance to commit his long-term future to Rovers makes it increasingly difficult for the club to retain him indefinitely.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal are pushing again to secure the forward after maintaining their interest throughout the summer.
Tyjon has already gained senior experience despite his age, making his Blackburn first-team debut at just 16 and featuring in the Championship and domestic cup competitions.
He also demonstrated his development at Premier League 2 level last season, scoring four goals and registering two assists across 10 appearances for Blackburn’s Under-21s.
The teenager has represented both England and Poland at youth level but has most recently featured for England, progressing through the Under-16 and Under-17 age groups before stepping up to the Under-18s.
Arsenal’s persistence forms part of a wider attempt to recruit some of the country’s most promising young players before their valuations increase substantially.
Vincent Joseph has agreed to leave Liverpool for Arsenal, while the Gunners have also moved for Crystal Palace prospect Mylo Bernard and Cardiff City youngster Axel Donczew this summer.
Tyjon would provide another high-upside addition and strengthen the centre-forward options within an academy that Arsenal hope can continue producing players capable of eventually reaching Mikel Arteta’s senior squad.
Blackburn’s refusal to sell has prevented Arsenal from completing a move so far, but Tyjon rejecting professional terms means there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding his future.
Arsenal have consequently shown little inclination to abandon a pursuit that has already survived several rejected offers and multiple transfer windows.
Unless Blackburn soften their valuation, negotiations could continue to prove difficult, but the Gunners remain firmly interested in taking Tyjon to north London.
