Tyjon, Bartishvili, Donczew – Arsenal academy set for busy end to summer

Arsenal appear to be stepping up their efforts to strengthen the academy, with reports suggesting as many as five new signings could be confirmed in the near future.

Having failed with an approach in January, The Athletic reports the Gunners are now closing in on a deal for Blackburn Rovers striker Igor Tyjon. The 18-year-old has turned down the offer of a professional contract at Ewood Park and is understood to be undergoing a medical today.

The same publication revealed earlier this week that Arsenal are also confident of landing Manchester United duo James Scanlon and Habeeb Ogunneye.

Winger Scanlon, 19, and right-back Ogunneye, 20, both gained senior experience on loan last season, featuring for Swindon Town and Newport County respectively.

Elsewhere, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reports Arsenal have submitted a pre-contract offer to 17-year-old Andria Bartishvili ahead of the expiry of his deal with Georgian side FC Kolkheti. Not to pile too much pressure on the youngster, but he’s already drawn comparisons with compatriot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of the standout performers in PSG’s all-conquering side.

Cardiff City’s Axel Donczew is also expected to complete a move to the Emirates. It’s now almost a month since the news first emerged, however, and we’re still waiting for official confirmation.

As things stand, Elijah Upson is the only academy arrival of the summer, having joined on a free transfer from Sp*rs. Six youngsters have been released, three have secured permanent moves elsewhere, while Ismael Kabia has headed to St Mirren on a season-long loan.

Meanwhile, The Irish Times reports Shamrock Rovers will consult Arsenal before reintroducing Victor Ozhianvuna to first-team action ahead of his agreed move to north London in January.

The highly-rated teenager has not featured since Shamrock’s 2-1 win over Bohemians on 25 May, with the League of Ireland side attributing his absence to a muscle injury.

“We’re hoping to get Victor rescanned in the next two weeks, and we’ll sit down with Arsenal and have a chat then,” said Rovers manager Stephen Bradley.

Our main takeaway from all of the above is that it’s going to take us a while to master the spelling of some of these names.

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