Arsenal eye up shock January move for striker with just one Premier League goal this season
Arsenal are looking to kick off their transfer business in January with a possible raid on Brighton, talkSPORT understands.
Striker Evan Ferguson is being eyed up by the Gunners, despite only scoring one Premier League goal this season.
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talkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has provided clarity regarding Ferguson's future with the player starting just two top-flight matches.
It is believed that the Seagulls are still deciding whether to listen to offers for the 20-year-old in January, with Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham among those interested.
West Ham have now contacted Brighton about a potential loan move for Ferguson, talkSPORT understands.
The Seagulls are undecided about whether to sanction a move for Ferguson, who is currently sidelined by an ankle injury.
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Arsenal are unlikely to spend big on a No.9, but are open to the possibility of a January addition under the right circumstances, in addition to summer reinforcements.
The north London giants also have their eye on RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak for their summer business.
Although a half-season loan is very appealing to several Premier League clubs, Brighton are currently inclined to insist on an obligation clause if they decide to let Ferguson go.
Brighton’s reported focus for now is getting Ferguson back to full fitness.
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The striker was recovering from an ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has since seen his minutes limited.
Ferguson boasts just a single goal to his name from his 12 Premier League appearances - with his sole strike coming in the 2-2 draw with Wolves on October 26.
Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro have been the preferred options up front for the Seagulls alongside summer signing Georginio Rutter.
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A move for Ferguson would give him the chance to rediscover the form that had him touted as a possible future member of the Premier League 100 Club.
Ferguson signed for Brighton in 2021 from Irish side Bohemians, where he progressed through the youth ranks.
He made his senior Brighton debut in August 2021 at the age of 16 by coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Cardiff.
The forward's most successful season for the Seagulls to date was in 2022/23 when he scored ten goals in 27 outings in all competitions.
Ferguson netted a further six in the previous campaign, but missed the last two months due to an ankle injury.
Brighton's Premier League rivals Chelsea showed interest in signing the young Irishman early last year.
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talkSPORT reported at the time that he was on their list of summer striker targets following his strong start to the 2023/24 season.
However, Brighton believed he was worth more than the £115million that Chelsea spent on his former teammate Moises Caicedo.
A physical specimen, Ferguson embodies the traits Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking for - young, strong and quick.
However, getting a deal across the line could prove tricky given the number of clubs keen on signing him on loan and the terms of a potential deal.
Arsenal need to strengthen their attacking ranks and squad depth to boost their chances of winning a first league title since 2004.
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With Liverpool six points clear on the Premier League table - while also boasting a game in hand - Arsenal know there can be no room for further setbacks.
Brighton CEO Paul Barber categorically rules out Evan Ferguson exit
And with Brighton to host Arsenal at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, Ferguson could be given the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent once more.
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