Arsenal reach agreement to sign their next superstar striker

21 Aug 2026 15:34 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Arsenal have finally struck an agreement with Blackburn Rovers to sign academy striker Igor Tyjon following months of negotiations.

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The Gunners have been in talks to sign the 18-year-old for several consecutive transfer windows and he is eager to complete the move, having already rejected the opportunity to sign a professional contract at Ewood Park.

Blackburn extended his scholarship deal into a third year earlier this summer, but The Athletic confirm that Arsenal have now reached a full agreement to bring the England youth international to north London.

Tyjon, who has three first-team appearances for Blackburn and scored 13 goals in 33 matches for their U21 side, will undergo his medical at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, before officially joining the reigning Premier League champions on a long-term contract.

He will become Arsenal’s latest signing of an eye-catching summer window - after Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier - although he will initially link up with the club’s academy side for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Standard report that Arsenal will announce the deal next week, with the club set to pay an initial fee of £1 million, with a further £2m in possible add-on payments.

© IMAGO - Igor Tyjon is set to join Arsenal

Arsenal set for busy end to the summer window?

In addition to signing Tyjon, Arsenal have also completed a deal for Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa, who will officially join the club shortly to provide crucial defensive depth for Arteta’s side.

The England star is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence during William Saliba’s absence through injury, while he will then provide cover at right-back and centre-back when the Frenchman returns to full fitness.

A new attacker will be pursued if Gabriel Martinelli is sold, amid interest from Galatasaray, Napoli and Juventus, but the Brazil international is currently set to stay at the Emirates Stadium unless a suitable bid is submitted.

Gabriel Jesus, however, is expected to depart, with Napoli leading the race to secure his signature as things stand.

Arsenal will kick off the defence of their Premier League crown with a home clash against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night as they look to win back-to-back English top flight titles for the first time since 1935.