Arsenal may watch Blackburn Rovers situation closely if Makhtar Gueye leaves - there's one clear reason why | OneFootball

Arsenal have previously been linked with the Blackburn Rovers talent

Blackburn Rovers have begun the 2025/26 Championship campaign in worrying fashion.

The East Lancashire outfit have lost three of their opening four matches and are yet to score a point at Ewood Park, which has led to a strained relationship with supporters.

Another source of frustration for the Rovers faithful is the club’s recent summer transfer window. After finishing just outside the play-offs last term, Valerien Ismael and Co. failed to build on their success and instead saw regular starters such as Lewis Travis, Dom Hyam and Callum Brittain all join fellow Championship clubs.

That pain could grow even larger despite the window slamming shut in England, as it has emerged that striker Makhtar Gueye may soon swap Ewood Park for Turkish side Kocaelispor, as per journalist Reşat Can Özbudak via X.

This has confused a number of Blackburn supporters and for good reason too; Gueye scored eight goals and contributed six assists last term. His physical presence caused problems for defences across the land and was an important part of both Ismael and John Eustace’s build-up play.

If Gueye is sold, there is no opportunity for Rovers to replace the forward due to the window already having slammed shut and this could provide an opportunity for others in the squad to step up.

Makhtar Gueye exit could focus Arsenal on Blackburn Rovers striker

Behind Gueye in the pecking order at Ewood Park are the likes of Yuki Ohashi and new boy Andri Gudjohnsen, but after that comes a certain Igor Tyjon.

The 17-year-old joined Rovers’ youth ranks in 2023, having started his career with Rochdale, subsequently breaking into the first team last season, making two appearances.

According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Premier League giants Arsenal hold a strong interest in Tyjon and saw a bid for his services turned down by Blackburn in the summer.

If Gueye does leave, Tyjon will likely feature much more for Rovers and the world will finally see how vast the forward’s talent is on a regular basis. If Ohashi or Gudjohnsen suffer any injury troubles, the teenager could even become Blackburn’s leading forward.

If impressed, it’s likely that Mikel Arteta and Co. will come back in for the striker later down the line and will therefore be keeping a close watch on how he performs this season.

Strong displays might force the Gunners into acting quickly, and therefore, playing Tyjon is essentially putting the young prospect in the shop window.

However, if he proves that he can already operate at the Championship level, it may allow Rovers to command quite a price for the teenager’s services.

Blackburn Rovers could struggle to keep hold of Igor Tyjon amid Arsenal interest

Tyjon will be excited to hear of Gueye’s departure, as it will naturally lead to more opportunities for him to shine in Blackburn’s first team.

Rovers’ supporters may also enjoy the opportunity to see one of their academy products shine in the first team, but will be watching on with a certain element of pessimism.

Arsenal are regular Premier League title challengers and have proven in recent years to give promising youth products chances to impress, with examples including Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and most recently 15-year-old Max Dowman.

Although playing regularly in the second-tier will appeal heavily to Tyjon, a move to the Gunners might be too much to resist.

Therefore, if he does feature extensively for Rovers this season, it could be the last they see of him in their famous blue and white shirt.