Blackburn Rovers exit 'pretty clear' as Arsenal and Man Utd plot move | OneFootball

FLW's Blackburn Rovers fan pundit has given his verdict on Man United and Arsenal's attempts to sign Igor Tyjon

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Manchester United have emerged as a potential option for Blackburn Rovers youngster Igor Tyjon amid interest from Arsenal.

According to The Sun, the 17-year-old is not interested in signing his first professional contract with the Championship side, leading to speculation over his future.

The Gunners have reportedly held a long-term interest in the forward, and were originally linked with a bid to sign him in the last summer window.

However, Man United are now in the mix for the teenager, who will not turn 18 until March.

Tyjon’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, meaning he could depart for a nominal fee in the summer, and he has yet to feature for Valerien Ismael’s side amid this contract stand-off.

Man United option has its advantages for Igor Tyjon

When asked if Man United would be a good option for Tyjon, FLW’s Blackburn fan pundit Simon Middlehurst claimed that it would make a certain amount of sense as it would keep him closer to his family than a move to Arsenal.

He also noted both clubs’ strong records with developing younger players, suggesting there is little to choose from between them, and that an exit from Ewood Park is a certainty now.

“It’s pretty clear that Igor Tyjon is definitely going to be leaving this transfer window,” Middlehurst told Football League World.

“To which club, I have absolutely no idea.

“He’s got no desire to sign a pro contract with Blackburn anyway.

“He has been involved in a few matchday squads, but hasn’t really come off the bench.

“I think he’s really just been there because we have been struggling for numbers, we’ve a lot of injuries across the board at the minute.

“So, with the use of youth team players at the minute, he’s been there solely to make up the numbers I do believe.

“If he was going to stay, I think he would definitely have been involved in some part of the last few weeks.

“Either club, Man United or Arsenal, would be decent for him.

“Both clubs are renowned for bringing in, developing youth players.

“Man United is up north, it’s close to his family, so that would probably work in favour for him.

“But, equally, Arsenal have a lot of good young players, so I think either team would be a good move for him.”

Blackburn have earned a reputation for developing young players themselves, with Adam Wharton’s rise to the England national team being their most recent success story.

The Lancashire outfit are struggling near the bottom of the Championship table, sitting 20th after 25 games played.

The gap to the relegation zone is just four points, and Sunday’s penalty shootout loss to Hull City has also eliminated the club from the FA Cup.

Next up for Ismael’s side is a trip to face Ipswich Town on 17 January in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Igor Tyjon’s development has been stalled by contract situation

Tyjon’s contract standoff with Blackburn has led to him being left on the fringe of the first team squad, despite the obvious potential he possesses at 17.

He’s not yet played in the Championship this season despite making two substitute appearances in the previous campaign, and that must be because of the uncertainty surrounding his future.

This has stalled his development, and he will be hoping to have matters resolved this month so that he can move onto the next stage in his career.

Man United and Arsenal are both providing big platforms for young players, so there’s really no bad option on the table for him right now.