# Arsenal youth player recruitment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/arsenal-youth-player-recruitment
> Updated: 2026-08-25T13:30:51.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Arsenal has secured the signing of 18-year-old forward Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers. The deal, which follows an 18-month pursuit, is reportedly worth up to £3.2 million, including £1.2 million upfront and up to £2 million in performance-related add-ons. The agreement also features a 20 percent sell-on clause for Blackburn.

Tyjon, a versatile attacker who has represented England at various youth levels, is expected to join Arsenal’s Under-21 squad while training with the first team. The transfer follows a period of tension between the player and Blackburn after Tyjon declined to sign a professional contract with the Championship club. 

In a separate academy move, Arsenal also confirmed the signing of 15-year-old Northern Ireland Under-17 goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC as part of the club’s 2027/28 scholar intake.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Arsenal strengthens academy with Blayney and Tyjon signings

Arsenal strengthens its academy with the signings of Northern Ireland goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Larne FC and striker Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-strengthens-academy-with-blayney-and-tyjon-signings

### 2026-08-21: Arsenal to sign Blackburn Rovers forward Igor Tyjon

Arsenal has agreed a deal with Blackburn Rovers to sign 18-year-old forward Igor Tyjon for a package worth up to £3.2 million, following a lengthy transfer pursuit.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arsenal-agrees-to-sign-igor-tyjon-from-blackburn-rovers

---
Cite as: Arsenal youth player recruitment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/arsenal-youth-player-recruitment