Arsenal are set to kickstart their January transfer business with a potential move for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to talkSPORT.
Despite scoring just one Premier League goal this season, Ferguson is being monitored by the Gunners, with the 20-year-old having started only two top-flight matches.
Brighton are still weighing whether to entertain offers for the young forward. Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham are among the clubs showing interest.
While Arsenal are unlikely to make a major investment in a No. 9 this month, they remain open to adding the right player under the right circumstances.
The Gunners are also looking ahead to their summer transfer plans, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak on their radar.
A half-season loan is reportedly an appealing option for several Premier League clubs, but Brighton are said to prefer including an obligation clause if they decide to let Ferguson leave.
Brighton’s immediate priority is getting Ferguson fully fit after his recovery from an ankle injury.
The striker’s playing time has been limited, and he has scored just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances, netting in a 2-2 draw with Wolves on October 26.
With Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro, and summer signing Georginio Rutter being the preferred options in attack, Ferguson’s opportunities have been sparse.
A move to Arsenal could offer Ferguson the chance to rediscover the form that led to his initial Premier League promise.
Signed from Irish side Bohemians in 2021, Ferguson made his senior debut for Brighton at the age of 16 in a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff.
His best season came in 2022/23, when he scored 10 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions.
He netted another six goals in the following campaign before missing the final two months due to injury.
Chelsea also showed interest in Ferguson earlier in the year, but Brighton set a high price, believing the young striker was worth more than the £115million Chelsea spent on Moisés Caicedo.
Ferguson’s physicality and speed make him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s attacking needs, as manager Mikel Arteta seeks young, strong, and quick players.
However, securing a deal could be challenging, given the competition from other clubs and Brighton’s preference for a specific deal structure.
With Arsenal looking to strengthen their attack to challenge for their first league title since 2004, they cannot afford any setbacks.
Currently six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, with a game in hand, Arsenal will need to bolster their squad in the second half of the season.
Saturday’s match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium could provide Ferguson the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents once more.
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