Arsenal could end up being busy in the final throes of the January transfer window despite being quiet for the most part so far.
News that Mikel Merino will miss a period with injury may end up sparking the Gunners into late window action.
Merino’s absence will likely hit Arsenal hard, with his experience and versatility seen as a key element of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
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Quite who Arsenal could bring in, remains to be seen but they have been busy elsewhere and according to reports this weekend have had a bid for a young striker rejected.
Arsenal have £1m bid for Igor Tyjon rejected
Despite Merino’s loss being related to the first-team, Arsenal are still looking to act in the market to ensure they have the best young talent as well.
Blackburn’s Igor Tyjon has been on their radar for some time now and the Gunners have been working ever since the summer to get him to London Colney.
However, he remains a Blackburn player and according to sources close to Blackburn, Arsenal have once again seen a bid rejected for the young striker.
Tyjon has impressed at Ewood Park and is already in and around the first-team, while he’s also on England’s radar as well after playing at youth level.
Rovers, though, have rejected a bid of around £1m from Arsenal for Tyjon in the last few hours.
It’s claimed Blackburn want closer to £2m for him, although they could get him for as little as £200,000 in the summer if they land him for free.
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Arsenal need to keep the conveyor belt rolling
For all the money Arsenal have spent on improving the first-team, making sure they have a succession plan with the best young players is also vital.
Mikel Arteta has his finger prints all over the club from first-team to youth level and it’s little wonder a player like Tyjon is wanted.
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It’s interesting to see Arsenal pushing so hard with a £1m bid despite him being available for cheaper in the summer.
In a way, this shows just how highly-rated Tyjon is and ultimately, it appears Arsenal are desperate to hold off anyone else who might be keen.
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