Arsenal strengthens academy with Blayney and Tyjon signings

Arsenal has confirmed the signing of 15-year-old Northern Ireland Under-17 goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC. Blayney, who secured a spot in the club’s 2027/28 scholar intake, has also signed a pre-contract agreement for future professional terms. The Belfast-born goalkeeper previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

Additionally, Arsenal has reached an agreement to sign 18-year-old striker Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers. Tyjon, who has represented England at the U17 level, will initially join the Arsenal Under-21s while training with the first team. The move follows previous unsuccessful attempts by the club to secure the player, who has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances for Blackburn’s U21 side.