Evan Fergsuon has struggled for game time this season. (Image: Getty)
search for a new striker in the current transfer window has taken a new twist after reportedly made Evan Ferguson available for a permanent sale. The Gunners have already been linked to a host of forward targets, with ruled out for the rest of the season and set to be sidelined until early March.
However, despite speculation over big-money moves for the likes of and Benjamin Sesko, the club’s financial situation means a bid for either player looks highly unlikely until the summer.
Manager has admitted that , though, and they have been touted for a move for Ferguson.
Initially it appeared the Republic of Ireland international would be leaving the AMEX on a loan deal. The 20-year-old is said to have attracted interest from the likes of , , and Bournemouth, as well as clubs abroad.
But according to , Brighton are now prepared to let the youngster depart for good. They’re already said to have rejected one bid, and are bracing themselves for more interest.
Ferguson could represent a much more affordable option for , depending on Brighton’s valuation. Both the player and his camp are reportedly keen for him to get more game time elsewhere, having made just 14 appearances in the 2024/24 season.
Mikel Arteta is looking to being a striker in. (Image: Getty)
That’s despite him being contracted to the Seagulls until 2029, having signed a bumper new deal 14 months ago. At the time, Ferguson was considered one of the rising stars of European football, having started last season with six goals in 12 league games, including a hat-trick against .
However, his career has since been derailed by an ankle injury that ruled him out for six months. Indeed, his goal in the 2-2 draw with Wolves last October was his first since November 2023.
Ferguson has continued to struggle for minutes under Fabian Hurzeler, with Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio now ahead of him in the pecking order. And now injury has struck again, with him having missed the last six games with another ankle problem.
Whether Arteta would be prepared to take a risk on Ferguson in light of his form and fitness issues this season remains to be seen. But time is running out for the Spaniard to add to his squad, with the transfer window closing on February 3.
Last week, he insisted the club would be selective about who they brought in, saying: “We lack goals, we lack people and we lack options. It’s clear.
“If we can get the right player that’s why we are actively looking at it. Any player? No. Someone who makes us better.”