The January transfer window is heating up, with two of the Championship's brightest young talents attracting serious Premier League interest. Blackburn Rovers are reportedly prepared to cash in on Arsenal target Igor Tyjon, while Crystal Palace and Fulham are monitoring Watford's £20 million-rated forward Rocco Vata.
Blackburn's Teenage Prodigy on Arsenal's Radar
Blackburn Rovers have shifted their stance on teenage sensation Igor Tyjon and are now ready to sanction a sale in the New Year. The 17-year-old forward, a product of the club's Ewood Park academy, was the subject of two bids from Arsenal this past summer, both reportedly in excess of £1 million and both rejected by the Championship side.
However, according to transfer expert Alan Nixon, Rovers' position has changed. With Tyjon's contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, the club faces the prospect of losing him for nothing if they do not agree a deal in January. This situation is seen as a potential boost for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who remain keen on investing in future stars.
Tyjon, an England youth international, made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup defeat to Bradford City this season after impressing in pre-season. Former Blackburn boss John Eustace hailed him as a "standout young player" and "certainly one for the future."
Palace and Fulham Enter Race for Watford's Vata
Elsewhere in the second tier, Watford are bracing themselves for bids for striker Rocco Vata. The 20-year-old, who joined from Celtic in 2024, is now on the radar of Crystal Palace, Fulham, and European clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta.
Despite being sidelined with an injury for another two months, Vata is valued at around £20 million by the Hornets. He still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at Vicarage Road. Last season, he contributed three goals and four assists, and he had already netted important goals against Portsmouth and West Brom this term before his setback.
Crystal Palace have built a strong reputation for developing talent from the Football League, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton all making successful leaps to the top flight after moving to Selhurst Park.
January Window Presents Critical Decisions
The upcoming transfer period presents pivotal moments for all clubs involved. For Blackburn, it is a choice between securing a fee for Tyjon now or risking a free departure. For Watford, it is about whether to cash in on a high-value asset or retain him for their promotion push once fit.
For the Premier League suitors, Arsenal's pursuit aligns with their strategy of securing young talent, while Palace and Fulham are looking to repeat their successful formulas of identifying and elevating Championship quality. The movements of Tyjon and Vata are set to be among the defining stories of the winter window.
