Arsenal have been doing rounds around Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson for the better part of two seasons now. The Gunners had made an official enquiry about the player back in November 2024, but reportedly decided against the move due to Ferguson’s injury history. Now, a fresh report has revealed other reasons why the move could not gather pace.
The deal being discussed for the player was an initial six-month loan, with an obligation to make the deal permanent in the summer. However, the Premier League’s rules state that a club can only loan and register two players from fellow PL clubs. With Arsenal already having Neto and Raheem Sterling in their ranks, a deal for Ferguson seemed off.
Theoretically, however, the Gunners could still loan the 20-year-old. While the rule mentions only two registrations are permitted, clubs can loan up to four players from fellow PL clubs, but the other two players will have to be in the reserves. This means Arsenal could still onboard Ferguson, but will have to un-register one of Sterling or Neto to make way for the striker.
Arsenal were looking at Evan Ferguson back in November but decided against it due to the players injury problems.
In theory Arsenal COULD loan Evan Ferguson as the Premier League states you can loan up to four players but only two can be registered.
That would mean… https://t.co/uTqV9RyPD5
— Luke (@Lucky29Luke) January 27, 2025
This would pose as a massive risk because it would leave David Raya as the only known goalkeeper in the first-team squad. Hence, Arsenal decided against moving for Evan Ferguson altogether.
Other young targets Arsenal could pursue
Knowing the Gunners and their transfer approach, they will remain in the market in search of young and talented players, especially strikers and wingers. To that tune, they could strengthen their interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (21y), or consider an approach for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike (22y), or an outside chance with Bologna’s Santiago Castro (20y).
All three of these players are quality youngsters who are currently taking steps towards becoming world-renowned players in the future. They would be great fits, and each would bring a different quality to the team. Ekitike’s build-up and passing, Sesko’s sheer aerial ability, or Castro’s raw pace and versatility – are all aspects Arsenal would love to add to their team.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners move in January or wait until the summer to bring their marquee forward in.
