With the January transfer window reaching its conclusion, Arsenal are short of time as they continue their hunt for a new striker.
Several names have been linked, but the Gunners haven’t made a serious approach yet. However, as per Alex Crook via TalkSports, the North London outfit cannot be ruled out of making a move for Brighton and Hove Albion attacker Evan Ferguson before the transfer deadline day.
The Irish star is seen as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League. He is yet to find his footing this season, but he has fared well in previous campaigns.
With a return of just one goal in 14 games, Ferguson has struggled for consistency this term, and his lone PL goal came against Wolves way back in October 2024. But he remains a highly sought-after player in England, with several clubs being linked with a move.
🚨 Arsenal are on the lookout for additional firepower and are contemplating a potential loan deal for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
(Source: @alex_crook) pic.twitter.com/LTpgGr30Z9
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 27, 2025
The 20-year-old rose through the ranks during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring six goals in 19 games for the Seagulls. He scored the same amount of goals last season in 27 games as he showcased his ability to perform consistently.
Injuries have prevented him from featuring regularly, with manager Fabian Hurzeler recently admitting that more game time will help him find his form.
The manager has hinted that they will need to analyse how the situation unfolds in the next six months before making a decision. He said:
“We want to improve the development of the players; we want to help him; therefore, we need an exchange. Then we see what makes sense for the player in the next six months; we will make a decision together; it’s not an individual decision.”
“I felt in the conversations that I have had with Evan that he only wants to play; that is the main thing. No matter if it is here or at another club.”
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Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck are currently ahead of him in the pecking order at the Amex Stadium. Hence, he has little time to convince the manager to pick him as his first choice. But at Arsenal, he will have a better chance to play regularly, and his age is an added advantage.
SHOULD ARSENAL SIGN FERGUSON ON LOAN?
As per the same source, a loan deal has been discussed as a possible solution, and Arsenal could place an offer on the table before the deadline day. This looks like an interesting piece of business on paper, although some fans might have reservations with this transfer.
Firstly, the player hasn’t featured regularly and is going through a rough phase this season. Will he be able to provide an instant solution to the Gunners’s injury woes? Secondly, Mikel Arteta’s side can still try to go after their key targets before moving for secondary options.
Evan Ferguson’s profile is obvious. He has elite potential, but he has scored one goal in 14 months due to injury and poor form. With Brighton being willing to sell in January for the right price, is he someone #Arsenal should gamble on? #AFC pic.twitter.com/3uG1W1Cwhe
— Arsenal Therapy (@ArsenalTherapy) January 28, 2025
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A loan deal remains a viable option if all other doors are closed for them. It remains to be seen whether Brighton accepts a loan proposal and lets their youngster rediscover his form at another club.
Arsenal have limited time, and they need to act swiftly or risk going away empty-handed from the January transfer window.
