Man Utd hold ‘conversations’ to stop Arsenal signing forward as sources tease the ‘landscape is shifting’ | OneFootball

Arsenal remain firm favourites to land highly-rated England youth international Igor Tyjon, sources have told TEAMtalk, but Manchester United are among the clubs that have held talks to stop the Blackburn Rovers wonderkid from making the switch to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2026.

Tyjon, who turns 18 next month, has rejected fresh terms at Blackburn and is now expected to leave Ewood Park when his current contract with the Championship club runs out at the end of the season.

The centre-forward is widely regarded as one of the Championship’s brightest emerging talents and was part of England’s Under‑17 World Cup squad last year.

Tyjon, who is able to play as an attacking midfielder and left winger as well, has made three appearances for the Blackburn first team so far in his career.

However, the 17-year-old’s refusal to commit long-term has seen opportunities at Rovers dry up.

Arsenal have been tracking Tyjon for more than a year and have already seen three bids knocked back, the most recent during the January transfer window.

The Gunners, though, remain extremely keen to bring him into their Hale End pathway, and sources close to the situation believe that the Premier League leaders still hold the strongest position.

However, the landscape is shifting.

Sources have told us that Manchester United have held conversations regarding a potential move to Old Trafford in the summer of 2026, with the Red Devils outlining their development plans in an effort to lure the teenager.

We understand that Liverpool, Leeds United and Newcastle have also held talks over the 17-year-old and have outlined their plans for him.

Despite the mounting competition, Arsenal’s long-standing interest, clear pathway for young talent and early groundwork are thought to give them the edge, but the battle for Tyjon is far from over.

Latest Man Utd and Arsenal transfer news

Staying on the Man Utd and Arsenal transfer battle theme, sources have told us that the Red Devils and the Gunners are going head-to-head for a 20-year-old sensation who has been compared to Declan Rice.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, has also revealed the sacrifice that Harry Maguire is ready to make to continue to play for Man Utd.

Elsewhere, we understand that Arsenal have made fresh checks on Endrick, who is on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid until the end of the season, and have already received a response.

And finally, sources have told us that Arsenal are keen on a Bournemouth ace, and so are Liverpool, but the Cherries have hatched a plan to keep him.