Arsenal close in on three young signings as Atletico soften stance on Alvarez sale

Arsenal are pushing to complete multiple signings before the September 1 transfer deadline, with the club reportedly closing in on three young prospects while a deal for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez edges closer to possibility.

Three young prospects near Emirates moves

Mikel Arteta’s side are nearing a £1 million deal for Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon, according to the Evening Standard, with a further £2 million in potential add-ons. The 18-year-old, who has made three first-team appearances for Blackburn, was reportedly scheduled for a medical on Friday and is expected to join Arsenal’s U21 squad while training with the senior side.

Tyjon is said to have rejected a professional contract at Ewood Park, where he has been a long-standing target for the Gunners. He could be joined at the Emirates by two players departing Manchester United. Defender Habeeb Ogunneye, 20, has already undergone a medical ahead of joining Arsenal’s U21s and training with the first team, while winger James Scanlon is also reported to be nearing a move from Old Trafford.

Atletico open door on Alvarez negotiations

In a notable shift, Atletico Madrid are said to have softened their position on Julian Alvarez. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Atleti have “agreed” to enter negotiations with Arsenal over the Argentine forward, following a reported meeting in London between Arsenal representatives and Atletico director Mateu Alemany.

The Madrid club have, however, made clear they will not discuss a potential sale with Barcelona, drawing a firm distinction between the two interested parties. Alvarez has previously spoken publicly about his situation, though the terms of any deal between Arsenal and Atletico remain unresolved.

A summer of significant business

Arsenal have already moved decisively in this window, completing the signings of former Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes in midfield, winger Christos Tzolis, and England centre-back Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa. The club are building from a position of strength after Arteta guided them to their first league title in 22 years, and the addition of both established players and younger prospects suggests a dual focus on immediate competition and longer-term squad depth.